“... but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” (Genesis 3:3)
Eve heard what God said regarding the tree that was in the middle of the garden. When the Serpent slid up to her and slipped her a doubtful thought, “Did God really say ...?” She left herself exposed to his insidious probing.
Trying to rebuff the serpent, she said more than what God had said to the husband and wife. Nowhere did God say, “... and you must not touch it …” His simple instruction was not to eat the fruit of the tree. Sensing a tinge of doubt in the validity of that instruction, the Serpent continued to load his lies, “You will not surely die ... when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (v5).” She took the bait―hook, line and sinker. There were half-truths in all of the Serpent’s statements. The seed of lies planted in her mind grew and ultimately caused her to defy God’s instructions.
Oftentimes we are besieged with doubts regarding our trust in God. Satan slips in lies and plants false ideas that take root in our minds. Our only recourse is to reply to him with the Word of God, like Jesus did when He was tempted three times by Satan.
When we pray for our loved ones, we need to ask God for a hedge of protection around them. God promised in Psalm 34:7, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” We do well to pray using Scriptural promises, reminding God of what He has intended for His people.
It is important for us to say what the Bible says. No more, no less. Otherwise, we add in our prejudices and go off on a tangent. Based on Scriptural promises reinforced with parallel teachings from elsewhere in the Bible, together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will pray with growing confidence.
Give Satan no room to plant doubt in our minds. Know the Word of God. Pray using it.
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