There are four big tests that most of us will encounter on our spiritual journey. They reveal some aspect of the condition of our hearts and our devotion to God. Of course, God already knows what we are like and how we will react, but for us it is often a shocking revelation. How we handle these tests will determine to a great extend how greatly we will glorify God and how useful we can be in his kingdom service. Failing them can actually destroy us. Here are some tips on how to recognize these critical tests and to be able to survive and thrive.

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul warns us that what happened to Israel in the wilderness serves as an example or warning to us to help us avoid a similar outcome of being “overthrown in the wilderness.” Please take a moment to read this section now by clicking on this link – 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

Most of the Jews who escaped the oppression of Egyptian slavery did not make it into the “promised land.” They never received what God had prepared for them. Instead, they died in the wilderness under God’s judgment for the sins of rebellion and unbelief.

According to Jesus, life is a narrow path filled with tests and difficulties.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV) 

We have a spiritual enemy who tries to destroy us along the way. God wants us to pass each test and cross each hurdle by relying on his faithfulness and grace.

Test #1: Idolatry, the Egypt in us

After escaping Egypt, through God’s judgment upon that nation and its idolatry and after miraculously crossing the Red Sea, the Jews almost immediately fell into their own sin of idolatry. Seeing a miracle and being set free doesn’t mean we are serious about following God yet. There was still a lot of “Egypt” in the Israelites, and perhaps in us. They did not really understand God’s ways yet  and were not converted in their hearts. As a result, they quickly doubted God’s faithfulness and love and caved to their sinful desires.

So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4  And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5  When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” 6  And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. 7  And the LORD said to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8  They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 9  And the LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. 10  Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.” Exodus 32:3-10 (ESV)  

The Israelites grew impatient with Moses’ foray up Mt. Sinai and, fearing the worst – that he died, they pressured Aaron to mold an idol for them to worship, a golden calf. Then they threw a big party, casting off the restraint of living under God’s authority. God brought them into a place of scarcity and testing, but they preferred a party. They disowned God and renounced his kingship over them, which is the essence of sin.

Idolatry is always about who is in charge. We create “gods” who will allow us to do whatever we want.

People don’t like being in a place of uncertainty in which we mus fully trust in God’s character, power, and faithfulness on a continuing basis. We prefer to relax, party, and enjoy a sense of security, even if it’s based on false hopes. There is only one place of freedom and complete security – God’s will. Sadly, however, we often far too readily agree to trade our freedom for a false sense of security and freedom. Sin always leads to bondage and fear, however.

And just in case we think that we are above worshiping an idol, think again! We may not bow down to a golden calf, but plenty of people serve “gods” which allow them to pursue rebellious independence from the true God – money, sex, addictions, godless recreation, and false doctrine. The reason we elevate these “idols” is so we can do whatever we want instead of serving God.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT) 

If we are growing weary or impatient with God and the path he has for us, if we have become fearful that he will not protect and provide for us, or if we are being tempted to cast off restraint and give way to temptation, we should take heed and make a commitment to fully trust God, no matter what the personal cost to us. Idolatry is the first of the big four “wipe out” tests. Abandoning God will never get us where we really want to go, and it always brings destruction and judgment into our lives. Hang in there. Keep trusting and obeying. God is faithful and will keep his promises.

Pass the first big test by being steadfastly devoted to Christ and patient on the journey.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV) 

Prayer

Father God, I realize now that I have served other “gods”  beside you. (Name any that come to mind.) Please forgive me and help to serve you with a whole heart. Amen.