“‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” (Genesis 3:4).

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Last night I published No Thank You, I Got This God, and now I want to explore a few more thoughts. I wrote: “God is calling us to step out into the chasm, and trust that he has already sustained our steps, but we prefer, instead, to build our own bridge, and then ask God to bless the work of our hands. If we don’t fully submit to God’s sovereignty, no matter how hidden our rebellion, it’s no wonder that we would also not accept the full reality of Satan.” “And in our rebellion, we unwittingly embrace the powers that mean us harm, and reject the One who saves.” This is where I wish to pick up.

How many times have we found ourselves in one of those crossroads moments where we’re faced with a difficult decision? Have you ever noticed that one of the decisions is invariably impractical, difficult or painful to implement, involves a longer term, the outcome unclear, and ultimately requires faith? Ever notice the any number of alternatives, which present themselves, that are more practical, not quite as difficult or painful to implement, involves less waiting, the outcome anticipated, which ultimately lessens the degree of faith needed? If you never feel as though God speaks to you any other time, you’re most definitely being spoken to in that moment; you’re hearing from someone else too. “‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” (Genesis 3:4). I’m not saying that every good decision has to be teeming with agony, but be aware that the enemy is most cunning.

The opportune situation, heart wrenching and desperate, always presents itself, an extreme scenario, a point from which to inspire a rallying cry that seizes our emotions. Yes, Satan knows exactly what he’s doing; the enemy isn’t opposed to exploiting our desperation, guilt, and fear to lead us astray. With the decisions we make today, seeds are planted, and the fruits that spring forth go on to influence tomorrow. We like to play the bystander; neither granting our approval nor disapproval, thus maintaining our moral purity; what fools we mortals be! In our indifference, we create fertile ground for darkness to cultivate its terrible fruit. We take it upon ourselves to fill the gap that God either cannot or will not bridge, at least that’s the arrogance and pride to which our actions bear witness. And we suffer the consequences; our own self-inflicted wounds.

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