Today’s Scripture: Genesis 3:1-3; Matthew 8:16, 32; 1 Corinthians 14:33
Apparently, before the Fall, it wasn’t unusual for animals to talk, since there is no indication that Eve was startled when the serpent spoke. Her first mistake, however, was taking time to dialog with the enemy (see Gen. 3:2-3). Nothing he says is for our own good, no matter how intelligent, brilliant, or reasonable he may sound. So, why listen?
When Jesus cast demons out of people, He never took time to converse with them. Instead, He spoke just one word—“go”—and the demons departed (see Matt. 8:16, 32). What would have happened if Eve had simply walked away? Unfortunately, we will never know.
At times we fight a dichotomous battle between doubt and belief. Satan finds this extremely entertaining. If he could, he’d buy a front row seat just to watch us squirm. The devil is the instigator of confusion, turmoil, fear, and uncertainty. When we find ourselves lacking peace, our best defense is to remember that it didn’t come from God (see 1 Cor. 14:33).
- How do you respond with the battles between doubt and belief start?
- What other scriptures can help you stay focused more on the Lord than on what the devil is doing?
There are scriptures I use to help me discern lies. But there are also time where the devil really points out a flaw or reinforces a self consciousness about myself that sometimes can get me stuck for a few days or event a week. The best thing I’ve done (though not as used as it needs to be, but I’m learning) is to take it to God in prayer. Now after that the process has varied to sitting in still silence and waiting on him to delving into his word for learn something or pressing on in continual prayer throughout my day. But it all starts with prayer.
If you can’t use the word as a double edge sword to cut it down, bring up your shield and defend yourself in prayer…I should write that down as well.
The last few days I’ve been thinking about the question the serpent asked. I wonder what might have happened had the serpent used a statement rather than a question. If “God did not say…” were used instead of “Did God say..?” would Eve have been more suspicious and defensive?
I think questions are powerful because people assume they originate from a genuine motivation of curiosity. When a question is asked that challenges your belief, you could ask, “What it this person’s questions trying to achieve?” People often communicate with goals in mind. The serpent in this story obviously had one.
You bring up a great point, Scott — a statement vs. a question. I never thought of that. Satan is a tricky little devil, isn’t he?