Temptation of Doubt - Genesis 3:1

Genesis 3:1 - "The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

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Satan came to Eve as a serpent. Snakes are known to be vicious, but in a sly and sneaky way. They curl up under rocks or hidden in forest brush just waiting to strike it’s prey. It is a good analogy for the way Satan works.

Satan’s plan hasn't changed. It was the same when he tempted Eve, when he tempted Jesus and it is the same in how He tempts us today.

One way Satan tempts you is to make you doubt God. Satan can plant a seed of doubt into your mind that can tear apart your relationship with God. When he makes you doubt God’s Word, His sovereignty, His goodness, or His love, Satan makes you believe God is the enemy instead of the devil himself. This is what he did to Eve.

Genesis 3:5 - “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.”

Satan tells her that she will be like God. There is nothing wrong with being “like God” that is the goal of all who believe in Him is to become like Him. However, Satan told Eve that becoming like God meant to challenge His authority and deciding for herself what was best. In essence, Satan told Eve to become her own god instead of reflecting God’s glory. Becoming more like God means to accept His authority over your life and be obedience, trusting in Him to lead you and protect you through all of life’s temptations.

Doubt in itself is not a sin. It can actually challenge you to study, pray and come closer to God. However, when we listen to Satan and begin to doubt God’s authority over your life or His character, you get in trouble. Believing it is your right to decide for yourself, self-exaltation, leads to rebelling against God. When we leave God out of our plans and believe ourselves above Him, we are right where Satan wants us. Don’t listen to the sneaky serpent. Trust God, He loves you and wants the best for you.