The Bible says, “Vain is the help of man” (Psalm 60:11) and “By flesh shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9). 

A common mistake that believers make, both knowingly and unknowingly, is to place their hope and trust in people and things instead of in God.

God does not approve of this. He is a jealous God who wants to be the Alpha and the Omega in our lives. He does not want us to say we know and love Jesus while our hearts are set on other things.

When we speak of putting trust in people or things, it is not limited to significant matters. It can be as simple as placing your hope in your family over God, or in a best friend, a boss, a wealthy person, or the government. Similarly, putting hope in material wealth or personal achievements, like a thriving business or one’s own wisdom and beauty.

The Bible teaches us that the help of man is vain; humans alone cannot provide the true help we need. Trusting in human abilities or material wealth will ultimately lead to disappointment.

It also states, “By flesh shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9).

This means not only is it futile to trust in others, but also to rely on ourselves. We cannot overcome challenges through our own strength or through the flesh.

We need to put our absolute trust and hope in God. Regardless of our situation, our trust should be hundred percent in Him. 

The Bible says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). 

This verse illustrates that while others may trust in things that are not of God, we must place our trust solely in Him.

In Isaiah 31:1, it is written, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord.” 

This verse warns against relying on worldly resources and not seeking God’s guidance.

When facing challenges, we should not just rely on our own resources or those of others. Instead, we must consult God and trust Him to guide us. Seeking help from human means without consulting God will ultimately fail.

Isaiah 31:2 adds, “Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not go back on His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked, against the help of those who do wrong.” 

This indicates that reliance on human resources, instead of God, leads to disaster.

Isaiah 31:3 clarifies, “The Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit.” 

This verse emphasizes that no matter how powerful or influential people may be, they are not a substitute for God. They will ultimately fail us.

Isaiah 31:3 further notes, “When the Lord stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and he who is helped will fall; they will all perish together.” 

This illustrates that both the one who provides help and the one who seeks it will be disappointed if they do not rely on God.

Finally, Isaiah 31:9 states, “His rock shall pass away in terror.” 

This highlights that anything other than God on which we might place our trust, will eventually fail and lead to disappointment. Only God is the true rock and steadfast support.

This is a crucial understanding we must all embrace: God is our ultimate source. People and things are merely channels through which God blesses us, but He alone is the ultimate source of help and support. When we put our complete trust in God, we experience peace and assurance that surpasses human understanding.

The Bible says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2). 

Let us not place our trust in anything other than God. Watch how He will surpass your expectations when you place your hope solely in Him.

Shalom!