Deuteronomy 9:16
“And I saw that you had indeed sinned against the LORD your God. You had made for yourselves a molten calf; you had turned aside quickly from the way which the LORD had commanded you.”
In the first entry, the allure of the world was discussed as one thing that can damage faith. The Hebrews wanted an idol like all the other nations, particularly Egypt. The second factor that had a detrimental affect on them was time. Moses was on the mountain for forty days. This allowed those who were advocating for an idol to make their case and wear down those who were resistant.
This is interesting as God intends the passage of time to build faith. He allows us to go through trials and build dependance on Him. He adjusts the heat and pressure in these circumstances. We all have a breaking point. Most trials don’t come within miles of that. Others are quite uncomfortable.
I can recall a situation lasting months. My reactions weren’t helpful. I’m not sure if I sinned. I wrestled with bitterness. I certainly vented to those who would listen. I did this often. This isn’t wrong, however there was doubt and complaint intermixed. It may have risen to the level of sin.
A positive that came out of my circumstance was a lessening of the “fear of man” (Proverbs 29:25). We all care what people think of us. I was freed from some of that by that trial. It was liberating. Yet that took a prolonged difficult trial.
I could have reached out for sinful way to cope. Substances come to mind. I did dabble in complaint and bitterness. This provided some relief in an unhealthy sense. In the end, they were counterproductive. There are other ways to cope that would have been against God’s ways.
It’s been said that the same sun that hardens clay, melts butter. The extended time in discomfort that God allows can make us better or bitter. We need to adhere to His ways within these times. Stay in the bible, prayer, fellowship and service. Those are the healthy ways that He has given us as ways to cope. The bible is full of stories in which people have been enriched through difficult times.
Lord, help us to look to You in those difficult times.