"Prove it!" The Snake Test
“Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.” Psalm 77:13,14
Of all the gods of all the religions in the world, whose is the real one? Everyone, of course, believes their own god is the real one, but what is the true answer?
Protiva is a Bible Worker in Bangladesh. Only three Seventh-day Adventist families live in the area where she serves. Local Hindus and Muslims often make fun of the believers and call them names.
One day, a haughty Hindu man started to criticize Protiva and the other Adventists.
“Your God is no God and has no power,” he accused. “Our Mother [Durga] (Hindu goddess of protection and war] is very strong, and there is no power greater than her in the world.” He continued to go on about the strength of his gods compared to the God of the Christians.
Deciding to prove his point once and for all, the man challenged Protiva.
A Banyan Tree
Inside the nearby Hindu temple stood a large banyan tree. Camouflaged among its viny trunks and branches lived many large venomous snakes. The Hindus viewed these fearsome creatures as sacred, and Protiva had seen the priests attract and entertain them.
The man said that if Protiva entered the temple, the snakes would bite her, and through the protection of their goddess, they would leave the Hindus alone.
Like Elijah at Mount Carmel, God’s power and reputation were being put to the test. Were the Hindus’ gods worthy of honor and worship? Or was the Christian God? Protiva knew the answer. “I agree to your condition,” Protiva said. “Mother Durga can’t do anything to me because my God is almighty. He will protect me.”
When the time came to go into the temple for the test, the priest and several other Hindus came along. As Protiva entered the temple, she recited Psalms and prayed. The priest and other Hindus started to attract the snakes, but instead of biting Protiva, the snakes bit the Hindus. Only Protiva was spared.
Protiva began to praise God and shout out loud with joy. “See, my God is mighty; He saved me, but your god did not save you.” The people watching had seen a great testament to the Living God that day!
A war is waging for the hearts of men. The enemy desires humanity to worship gods of their own making, who may seem strong and mighty but, ultimately, have no power to save. True salvation is found in Christ alone. He extends His hand of mercy to all who will receive Him. Please join us in praying for the people of Protiva’s village that those who have seen His power will accept His offer of mercy and love.
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