When Deception Comes Calling

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" Genesis 3:1

Sometimes we are so focused on what we don't have we miss the miraculous blessings in what we do have. Eve was the same. Satan caught her at just the right time to put deceiving thoughts in her mind and cause her to think she was missing out.

"And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'" Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die." (Gen. 3:2-4)

The one thing God said she couldn't have is exactly where Satan focused her attention.

I remember as a child Mama and Daddy telling me I couldn't have or do a particular thing and you better bet that is all I could think of. Their "No" was like putting a spotlight on that very thing. It was a resounding trumpet call in my ear reminding me that the only thing I truly wanted is something I couldn't have. Sometimes it would eat away at me until I would give into my desire and pay the consequence of my disobedience. The same happens as adults when dealing with our heavenly Father.

The tree was attractive to the eye, appealing to the appetite, and enticing to ambition. Both Adam and Eve sinned because they listened to Satan rather than to God.

"Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (Ja. 1:15)

Eve gave into:

#1 Physical pleasure.

#2 Material possession.

#3 Wanting to be more than she was.

The three things are not bad but when we focus on those things to fill a spot in our heart only God can fill, that is where deception begins to take root.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:15-17)

Those three ways Eve was tempted, Jesus was also tempted. In Matthew 4:1 Satan tried to catch Him at His weakest and tried to tempt Him outside the will of God.

"But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Matt. 4:4)

Jesus gives us a practical solution anytime we are distracted by things.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

When your cup feels empty, stop, look up and be thankful for what you do have. Ask the Lord to fill your emptiness and the Truth will fill you.

Remember...'the Lord is near'...(Phil.4:6)

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for all that You have blessed me with. Help me to focus on You and having a grateful heart. I will draw close to You during my weakest times and know that You are near me. Fill my cup and may it overflow into all those around me for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.