Bible Study

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9 NKJV)

When Pekah, the king of Israel, allied with Rezin, king of Syria, to besiege Jerusalem, God sent the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz, the king of Judah, to strengthen his heart and assure him of God’s supernatural intervention to help in the battle.

Therefore, Isaiah prophesied to Ahaz in Isaiah 7:4-7 – NKJV, saying,

 4 “Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah.

 5 ‘Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying,

 6 “Let us go up against Judah and trouble it, and let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them, the son of Tabel” –

 7 ‘thus says the Lord GOD: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass.

What a great promise and assurance from the faithful God!

At first, Ahaz appeared to have strong faith in God’s ability to fulfill His promise to deliver him and the city of Judah from the hands of their enemies who had risen against them.

Even when God asked Ahaz to request a sign to fully convince or assure him of God’s intervention and help in the battle, he quickly responded, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!” (Isa. 7:12 NKJV).

The words of Ahaz expressed or displayed great confidence in God. But Ahaz’s subsequent actions proved otherwise. While Ahaz’s words expressed faith, his actions expressed fear, insecurity, doubt, and unbelief in God.

True faith is not a mere confession; it is action. True faith is not just talking; it is resting in God, waiting for God, and acting upon God’s Word.

Despite Ahaz’s words of faith, he would not trust in God or wait for God to fulfill His promise of supernatural aid. Rather than waiting for God’s permanent succor, Ahaz pursued man’s temporary relief.

The Scripture records that King Ahaz sent his messengers to the king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me.” (2 Kings 16:7 NKJV).

Furthermore, Ahaz persuaded the king of Assyria to come to his aid by sending him a present of silver and gold taken from the house of the LORD (2 Kings 16:8).

Like Ahaz, many believers today who profess great faith in God are persuading, manipulating, coaxing, or enticing men to help them. Many believers today have fallen into many unnecessary temptations and thus compromised their faith in their desperate bid to get help from men at all costs.

At first, the king of Assyria responded immediately to Ahaz’s plea for help. He fought against the enemies of Ahaz and defeated them.

The Scripture records that the king of Assyria fought against the king of Syria and Israel and defeated them. He killed Rezin, king of Syria, and took Damascus and all the lands of Israel east of the Jordan (2 Kings 16:9).

However, when the Edomites and the Philistines attacked Judah and invaded their cities again, although Ahaz sought the help of the king of Assyria with many more treasures than before, the King of Assyria would not help him. Instead, the king of Assyria “came to him and distressed him, and did not assist him.” (2 Chron. 28:20 NKJV).

While Ahaz looked forward to receiving further help from the king of Assyria, he got trouble, betrayal, heartbreak, and oppression from the king of Assyria.

What a lesson for us today!

The Scripture warns, “Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD. (Jer. 17:5 NKJV).

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psa. 118:8-9 NKJV).

Are you presently in a dreadful situation?

Are you desperately seeking God’s help and intervention?

Do not fear or be fainthearted!

Do not compromise your faith while persuading any man to help you!

Wait for God’s help!

The Scripture assures you of God’s timely help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1-4 – NKJV

 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

Has God given you any promise or prophecy?

Hold fast unto it! God is faithful; He will never forget to fulfill His good promises or prophecies concerning you.

The Scripture bears witness that “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19 NKJV).

Indeed, God loves to work through people. God will often send you help through the person He has ordained for the purpose. But it is good to let God choose the person He will work through to help you.

When you allow God to choose and direct you to whomever He has appointed to help you in a given situation, you will not need to coax, entice, persuade, or manipulate the person to receive help from him. Likewise, the person will not seek to play “god” in your life, take advantage of you, exploit, defraud, or abuse you.

Friend, you must hold fast unto God’s words and promises; don’t give up on God regardless of the situation. Although your enemies may seem to be closing in on you on every side, fear not; your God is greater than all your enemies, and He is closer to you than any enemies.

Relax your mind, for God will help you right on time!

God is saying to you today, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 NKJV).

Beloved, do not waiver at God’s promises through unbelief, but be strengthened in faith, giving glory to God (Rom. 4:20). The Scripture admonishes you to “Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.” (Prov. 20:22 NKJV).

“Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psa. 27:14 NKJV).

Prayer: 

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall praise Him for the help of His countenance, in Jesus’ name. Amen.