Taking our life in our own hand

Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for more than 400 years. It took a Moses to liberate them. After settling in the Promised Land, Canaan, they built up a kingdom under Saul, David and Solomon. The kingdom split into two after Solomon. These two kingdoms were under constant threat from north eastern invaders. Assyria, Babylon and Persia rose to power one after another. Later, powers from the west, Greek and Romans conquered them all. During these periods of warring kingdoms, forming alliance to ward off invaders was a common strategy.
Taking their life in their own hands, Israel and Judah formed alliance with their old master, their enemy of old --- Egypt. People were, and are pragmatic. Reliance on God is too intangible. They need to take control in order to feel secure. Isaiah 30 criticizes this way of life.
"Woe to the rebellious children," says the LORD, "who carry out a plan, but not mine;
and who make a league, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin;
who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my counsel,
to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh, and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! (Isaiah 30:1-2)
For Egypt's help is worthless and empty, therefore I have called her "Rahab who sits still." (Isaiah 30:7)
This Rahab was not Rahab the prostitute who saved the 2 spies in Joshua. This Rahab was a sea monster, or even the guardian angel of Egypt.
Taking their life in their own hands is an illusion! Instead of trying to know the truth, to follow the will of God, people want their own will be done. Therefore, they like to listen to smooth things and will not accept things against their desires. People construct their own reality and live in their comfort zones. Their hearts turn away from God. It hurts the eyes to see the truth.
For they are a rebellious people, lying sons, sons who will not hear the instruction of the LORD;
who say to the seers, "See not";
and to the prophets, "Prophesy not to us what is right;
speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,
leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more of the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 30:9-11)
God's logic is anti-common-sense. It is hard to swallow. For people running for their life, God's advice was to wait! When people busy building up defence walls, God's advice was to rest! Instead of trusting in strongholds, weapons and ammunitions, God wanted them to trust in this elusive Him.
For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel,
"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."
And you would not,
but you said, "No! We will speed upon horses," therefore you shall speed away;
and, "We will ride upon swift steeds," therefore your pursuers shall be swift (Isaiah 30:15-16).
How about this promise from God, will you trust Him?
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you; therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him (Isaiah 30:18).
I'm sure God wants to be gracious and merciful to us. We need to learn how to interact with Him. Before we can deal with Him, we should know more about His value system, His mode of operation etc.

My Lord, You are merciful and gracious. You are willing to share Your eternal life with us, unworthy creatures. We don't know why You want to do this. What good have we done? Let's us continue with our preparation to celebrate Your incarnation. Amen.