Did God Really Say That?

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” (Genesis 3:1 NIV)

One of the delights of parenting is the surprise yes. When the familiar ting-a-ling song of the ice cream truck sounds in the distance, my youngest looks at me with hope and reality battling in his eyes. In a defeated tone he says, “I know, we can’t have ice cream today.” Even though I’m not a big fan of four-dollar popsicles, sometimes I give him a surprise yes. When this unexpected reality meets his doubt, he guards his excitement. He asks for clarification: “Did you really say yes?” Once I affirm my decision, his excitement is palpable as he sprints to the roadside to claim his frozen treat.

Conversely, one of my least favorite parenting moments is the surprise no. A child struggling with obedience all week long asks to visit a friend’s house. Accustomed to an easy yes, this restriction on her freedom confuses her. After the jaw drop, the pouting kicks in. She asks for clarification: “Did you really say no?” I assure her of my decision and back it up with my reasoning.

Unexpected blessings and unwanted restrictions elicit questions. Satan’s first tactic was a simple question: “Did God really say that?”  Questioning God has been his weapon of choice since the beginning. God is truth. His promises are sure, and his commands are good. His words bring life, peace, and joy. By casting doubt on God’s words, Satan leads us to doubt God’s good plans for us.

As Eve stood in the shade of a lovely fruit-bearing tree, Satan whispered doubt into Eve’s ear. “Did God really say, ’You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” She took the bait and questioned God’s command.

Maybe her mind began to run through the conversation again. Did God really say that? What were God’s exact words? In Genesis 2:17, God said, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (NIV).

Eve heard the command straight from God’s mouth. No lack of clarity. No wondering if it was her inner voice putting unnecessary constraints on her wishes. No gray areas. No judgment call required. Even with a clear command and promise straight from the mouth of God, Eve doubted.

I, too, am guilty of listening to Satan’s invitation to doubt the good word of God.

God says, “Let me fight your battles for you” (Exodus 14:14). Instead of believing him, I strap on my battle gear. When I say hurtful things in an argument, I say in my heart, “Did God really say that?”

God says,”Give me your first fruits, and I will take care of the rest” (Prov. 3:9, Mal. 3:10). Instead, I listen to Satan whisper, “Did God really say that?” as I fill my mornings with social media, local news, and busy work.

God says, “Love others the way I love you—unconditionally and sacrificially” (John 15:12). Choosing selfish, self-preserving behaviors is evidence that my heart gives into doubt. “Did God really say that?”

God says, “Forgive others as I forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Yet I hold onto past hurts like buried treasure, as if hissing at my offender, “Did God really say that?”

How do I change my questioning ways?

[Tweet “Instead of entertaining the devil’s whisper, I must fill my ears with God’s holy voice.”]

Instead of entertaining the devil’s whisper, I must fill my ears with God’s holy voice. Studying the Bible fills me with his good, right, and true words. As I read Scripture, God speaks his promises and commands directly to me, just as he spoke to Eve as she walked the path between trees in Eden. The Bible also reminds me of God’s attributes, which gives me more confidence in his words. He is powerful, faithful, and loving. He will do what he says.

I can also take my doubts and uncertainty straight to the Source. Without fear or shame, I can ask God to reassure me. God, I remember you said this, but right now it doesn’t feel true. Help me to believe. His reassurances come through Scripture, the encouragement of his people, and circumstances that reassure me of his love. My life is full of stories of God’s faithfulness, and remembering his faithfulness helps me fight my doubt.

Fighting doubt begins with believing God really said that— both promises and commands. As long as I entertain Satan’s whispers that encourage me to doubt, I will continue living from a place of doubt. However, when I fill my ears with the truth of God’s Word and go to him with my doubts, my life will begin to bear the marks of one who truly believes every word God says. Then, when the enemy says, “Did God really say that?” I can confidently declare the true word of the Lord. His promises are sure, and his commands are good.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the truth found in your Word. Help us to believe it fully. Show us your ways so that we may walk your proven path. When the enemy tries to confuse us with doubt, guide us in your truth. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Show me your ways, Lord,

teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior.” (Ps. 25:4-5 NIV)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (Jas. 1:22-25 NKJV)

Reach for More

Which of God’s commands or promises do you struggle to believe? Keep that Bible verse in view. Write it on a sticky note to keep on your car’s dash. Put it on an index card, and prop it near your desk or kitchen sink. Use it as a lock screen for your phone. As you fill your heart and mind with God’s truths, you leave less room for doubt.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man. They have three children. In the quiet minutes of her day, you will find her at the keyboard or curled up with a book–always with coffee. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.

Photograph © Jantanee, used with permission