Genesis 3:2-7: “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
When you’re faced with a situation that challenges your faith, how do you respond? I’m not suggesting that every issue we face is the result of an attack of Satan. Having stated that fact let me say that our adversary, the Devil, seeks those that he might devour through difficult situations. Our trials (or situations) seem complex when we assess them, and it seems as if there’s no easy solution. It’s how we respond to these circumstances and trials that will be determined by how strong we are in understanding and living out the truths of God’s Word.
We read where Eve tried to ward off the serpent’s initial attack by defending what God had originally said about the forbidden tree. What I would like to ask before we continue is, “How did the serpent know to ask Eve about what God had stated?” Did he hear it when God told Adam or when Adam told Eve? Why did she add to what God originally told Adam about the tree of knowledge? God told Adam simply not to eat of the tree of knowledge, but Eve told the serpent that they couldn’t touch it, or they would die.
Since she disobeyed God’s command, it tells us that she wasn’t strong enough in that area of her heart to stand against the lies of Satan. Therefore, she gave place to doubt and succumbed to the strategies of the enemy and sinned.
Luke 4:3-4: Then the devil said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”
Once again, we read where Satan is trying to tempt someone about eating food. This time Satan met up with someone who knew God and the Word. Take notice that Jesus answered Satan with the Word exactly how it is printed. He also answered the Devil with confidence. If you will read the entire account where Eve was tempted, you will see that they argued back and forth. It wasn’t that way with Jesus. Once Jesus spoke the truth and refuted the lie, it was the end of the conversation at that level of the temptation. Eve answered the serpent with doubt in her heart about God, but Jesus answered with the truth and in authority, because He knew God.
If you’re facing something that you’re just not confident about concerning the heart of God for you and your family, then begin to ask the Lord for wisdom. I have found that we can make our worst decisions when we don’t have all the facts on the table. We’re also warned in Hosea 6 that God’s people are destroyed because they lack knowledge.
Satan pushed Eve and Jesus to respond. If you’re in a situation, and you don’t have peace (green light from God), then don’t be pushed around by Satan. Be still before the Lord and seek His wisdom; He will direct your steps. When we allow our flesh nature to push us to go ahead and give an answer without God’s peace, the results are usually disastrous.
—submitted by Asa Dockery, US
mike wittmer on May 4, 2011 at 7:33 am
These are good words, Asa. And a good reminder why we must immerse ourselves in God’s Word and surround ourselves with wise, godly friends. They are often the means through which God communicates his perfect will to us.