I wonder how long that period of time was? We know time existed because Genesis talks about God creating the universe in six days. But how long did humans reside in peace and harmony with the universe and God? Six months? Six years? Six hundred years?
I wonder what conversations did they and God talk about during however this period of time? Sports? (How about those Yankees?) God's sense of humor (Strange creatures he created, what were His favorite colors, how big was this garden? How about that woman He just created . . . the Adam He gave the woman . . . ) Do you think they had deep conversations about what God had created, why He created it and what made Him happy? I wonder if they asked God about His one rule? Why any rules at all? (I know, free will . . . ) Was there other gardens on this planet? Could they visit the objects they could see in the sky? Did the animals talk? Did God teach them to swim? So many questions . . .
But one day they failed to talk to God about that one rule . . . they listened to another voice, a voice that deceived them into doubting the goodness of God and how He was holding out on them. A voice they didn't have a relationship with but suddenly trusted on a greater level than God, Himself.
I mean you're walking and talking with the Creator of the Universe and yet you choose to listen to this outsider?
(That last sentence was a gotcha moment in my life by the way)
I think that the primary tactic that our enemy (and yes we have a enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy) uses is to alter the very reality that God has woven since the beginning of time. Put simply, he has one card to play and that is deception. Without deception none of his lies have any merit. Satan has to first get us to doubt the goodness of God before he can convince us to rebel against the rules of God. This worldview is a lie from the pit of hell, yet this is still the strategy that Satan has used to tempt believers throughout history.
As I get older I become more firmly convinced that this is the eternal foundation that our faith must be built upon, "God is good." For this belief to burn deep into our hearts and minds requires His power and wisdom on a daily basis. My mind must be renewed in the Word of God or I'm open to the lies of the enemy. And the enemy desires death and destruction for my life, not life and freedom.
Simple truths but easy to forget.
