“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Those of you who know me personally know that I have… how do I say this without over exaggerating …. a very strong preference for chocolate. I’ve tried to break up several times, but with every attempt I’m flooded with only the good memories, the fun times. I run into it everywhere I go, and each time it looks better than I last remember.
I can say no to chips, prepackaged cakes and cookies, hard candy, just about anything except homemade chocolate chip cookies, chocolate ice cream, or smooth dark chocolate. That’s why I find it hard to believe that Eve threw (wo)mankind into darkness over an apple! Chocolate maybe … but an apple! Really?
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve everything they could have ever imagined. They didn’t have to work, they were completely safe, and they walked with God talking and laughing with Him every single day. In this garden of plenty, only one thing was forbidden. God had told them not to eat from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Some things never change. The word forbidden seems to pique the interest and almost invites a challenge.
I imagine Adam and Eve discussed the tree and why God would not let them eat from it. Satan certainly played his part by trying to confuse them on what God had said and what He meant. It appears Eve kept her eye on the forbidden fruit, turning it over in her mind, and thinking about it often. Even in her place of abundance, she became obsessed with the forbidden until she gave birth to sin when she acted on her thoughts. Not until then did she realize the life-altering choice she had made.
Eve heard a challenge, but—being the good Daddy He is—God was providing a warning.
Are there (or were there when you were growing up) rules in your home to instruct in moral character or to keep you/your children safe? In your city, are there ordinances that keep the community on the same playing field? At work or other public places, are certain things prohibited to ensure safety and provide a certain level of expectancy when people interact with each other?
God was a good Daddy then, He’s a good Daddy now, and He will always be a good Daddy. He will not mislead you or keep you from having fun or experiencing life to the fullest. He wants nothing more than to see you thrive even in the midst of a broken world.
Has Satan been whispering in your ear, confusing you on God’s promises? Does he tell you those promises are not for you or that you’re not worthy? Does he tell you God doesn’t care about you?
Just like in the Garden of Eden, Satan is a liar. The Bible calls Satan the father of lies. He’s unable to tell the truth. It’s his nature to lie, steal, and destroy. Throughout the various stages of your life, Satan will always challenge you with some type of apple.
What is your current apple? What have you been turning over in your mind thinking something is being withheld from you? What do you think you’re missing out on? What are you grabbing for yourself that God never intended for you to endure?
The heart of God is for restoration and building up, but the heart of Satan is for destruction and isolation. With this in mind, what will it cost you if you bite your apple? Will it be worth it?
While you can always choose which apple to bite, remember, sweet one, you do not have the luxury of choosing your consequences.
God knows we’re not perfect, and we will bite a few apples. But never ever forget, even if you do bite the apple, Christ does not want to be separated from you no matter what you’ve done. He has promised to walk through the valley with you, hold your hand, and catch your tears as you endure the fallout.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- Are you able to identify your “apples”? If so, how?
- What’s one thing you’ve learned from biting an apple?
- Name one thing you’re thankful for when you didn’t bite an apple?
- What does Satan gain if he can get you to bite as many apples as possible?
- What does it cost you when you bite the apple?
- What do you gain if you don’t bite the apple?
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
When you read God’s Word, say to yourself: I cannot fail because God’s presence equips me to be strong and brave! He is with me wherever I go! He never leaves me no matter what.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
