"Then they shall be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their boast. And the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?'" -- Isaiah 20:5-6

During the last few years there have been a great many dismayed people who lost everything in an economic fallout. They had placed all their financial hope in certain investments only to suffer incredible loss instead of promising gain. Retirement plans were gone and many families went from being wealthy to homeless. Hope and stability in life is all about who you trust.

Judah suffered in a far greater way when she looked to Cush and Egypt for help against the attacks of Assyria. This was a great power struggle that involved military prowess and strategic alliances. Judah had taken her eyes off the Lord and looked to man-made armies to be her deliverance in the time of need. But when that time came, those countries failed as a result of their own defeat. All hope and stability was gone because of misplaced trust.

Where do you look for help in times of need my friend? Whether you are building a financial future, a business endeavor or family dreams, who is your first and foremost resource? Take a lesson from the recession... hope and stability is all about who you trust. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)