Introduction

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. 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

Test #3: Putting Christ to the Test, the rebel in us

This test can be linked to the last one, because it includes “grumbling” against God and his delegated leadership. Here is the Bible passage to which Paul referred.

Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey. 5  The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.” 6  The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. Numbers 21:4-6 (NASB)

The Israelites basically dared God to judge their lousy rebellious attitude, and they got what they asked for.

We learn from this passage and others like it that God absolutely hates complaining, grumbling, and rebellion against him, his authority, and his provision.

They accused God of bringing them out of Egypt and into the wilderness in order to put them to death. That was a direct slap in the face of a holy and benevolent God who went out of his way to deliver them from horrendous bondage. They also complained that his provision was inadequate and actually “miserable.” They accused God of being unloving and unfaithful! This was in complete compliance with the devil, who not only accuses God’s people, but is unafraid to accuse God. His judgment was being removed from heaven and ultimately consigned to the lake of fire. When we align ourselves with him, our judgment is swift and sure. This is serious business… yet, many accuse God everyday through their incessant grumbling. Wow!

For those of you who have raised children, you know that sometimes kids start getting “out of hand.” Basically they are asking for some discipline, and until we, the parents, take care of that responsibility, they usually get more and more unruly. As adults, we can get like that, too. We can start grousing and complaining against God and life. If this is a habit for us, we should take note that in God’s eyes it is a serious sin, one which he will judge. Why? Because it reveals a sullen rebellious attitude against him. If we fail to discipline our children for such behavior, we train them to be like us, in need of God’s discipline.

Interestingly, God really did bring them into the wilderness to kill them. As a group, they had already defied God by refusing to enter Canaan when he commanded them to go in and conquer. Their fear kept them from inheriting what God had promised. Sobering! Here is what they said.

Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. 2  And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3  Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4  And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Numbers 14:1-4 (ESV)  

After they refused to obey God, he warned them that they would see their wish come true: all the adults would all die in the wilderness, except the ones who remained faithful- Joshua and Caleb. There “little ones,” however, would be the generation that would obey and go into the land.

Fear, grumbling, rebellion, and disobedience were part of putting God to the test.

All of us have the propensity to rebel, complain, and sin against God. All of us have to be taken into the “wilderness” in order to learn how to trust and obey God. The difficulties we endure are custom designed to help us grow spiritually, if we keep our eyes on the Lord. Otherwise, we, as did those early Israelites, may find ourselves on the wrong side of this test.

Application

If we find that we are complaining, it is time to make a quick adjustment. Grousing and complaining reveal hearts that are  ungratefully out of sync with God. Faith never complains, because it believes Romans 8:28 – God is working out all things for the good of those who belong to him. Act and speak as if you believe this, and thereby bring glory to God.

Pass the third test by being a praiser.

Test # 4: Grumbling against God’s Appointed Authority – the traitor in us

This test is specifically the temptation to speak against and perhaps even try to overthrow God’s delegated authority.

We are prone to this temptation because we are proud, rebellious, and judgmental. We realize that leaders are people just like us, who always have quite obvious faults and failings. We can grow dissatisfied with their leadership and start viewing them with a critical eye. If this goes unchecked, it can lead to outright rebellion and participation in an overthrow attempt. Paul refers to one such case in Numbers, when Korah attempted to unseat Moses as Israel’s leader. God promptly destroyed him, his family, and his associates. Those who allied themselves with him likewise perished – a total of 14,700 people! you can read all about it by clicking on this link – Numbers 16:1-35.

Grumbling and complaining against delegated authority are considered to be an American birthright. Our constitutional republic gives us the privilege of electing those who govern us. Since their authority indirectly derives from the people via the election process, we feel free to criticize and judge them. But this is not God’s way, especially when it comes to spiritual authority. This can get tricky, because sometimes people in authority abuse and misuse that authority to the harm of God’s people and themselves. In these cases, it is necessary to speak up against these abuses, but it is crucial that we always maintain a humble attitude in the process.

It is cocky defiance that is often behind grumbling and complaining that is such an offense against God.

The Bible teaches that all authority actually comes from God, and even those rulers who misuse their power must be given respect, even when we cannot conscientiously obey them.

Therefore, our relationship with people in authority must include honoring them because of their connection to God’s authority. How much more is this true when godly men exercise authority in Christ’s church in an attempt to discharge their responsibility to oversee God’s people!

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) 

When Korah defied Moses, he seemed to have some good arguments, but he was fundamentally in the wrong. Like the rest of us, Moses had flaws, but he was still God’s appointed leader. When Korah attacked him, he attacked God’s authority, too. Judgment was swift. Today we don’t always see such quick retribution against those who attack authority, but be assured that God has not changed his mind about this sin. Judgment will surely come!

Application

If you have become critical of those God has placed in authority over you, it is very important for you to change your tune. This is no small matter. If you need to confront a leader for some reason, do so with a humble attitude.

No one is saying that leaders should never be questioned, but they should always be respected.

Properly regarding, honoring, and obeying God-appointed leadership is crucial to our spiritual well-being. Pass the fourth big test by learning how to properly relate to and live under authority.

Conclusion

Well, how many of these “wipe out” tests have you encountered so far? How many did you pass? If you are still breathing, there is hope, even if you failed one or more of these tests in the past. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes and make corrections. We can still have a great outcome if we do. What do you need to do now? Be sure to take any necessary steps of action or repentance. And once you learn your life lessons well, be sure to be on the lookout for others who may need assistance in making their discipleship journey a success.