God's Plan vs. Satan’s Scheme
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe
Our Lord's plan is to deliver us from our past, to empower us for the present and to lead us victoriously into our future. The enemy's plan is to mire us in our past, to enfeeble us for the present and to lead us fearfully into our future. We must decide which plan to embrace. God's plan is the Tree of Life. The enemy's scheme is the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Let’s take a closer look at the two trees. Genesis 2:7-9 NKJV): “The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
The Hebrew word translated as “garden” means an enclosed or protected place. Eden represents the protection that comes from close fellowship with our Father. The Father Who says to us in Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God did not create a couple of puppets. He created living, intelligent creatures and blessed us with free will. He also gave instructions to aid mankind in making decisions that would result in abundant living. That instruction book is the Holy Bible which is Holy Spirit inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
God gave instructions to Adam that apply to all the children of Adam. Genesis 2:16-17 (NKJV): “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
The Hebrew word translated as “Knowledge” comes from a root word that means to know by seeing; by using the senses: touching, hearing, etc. The extended definition includes “the ability to determine what is good and what is evil.” This desire to determine for ourselves leads us to walk by limited experience rather than by faith in the word of God.
The root of sin is fear. Living out of our experiences and determining for ourselves what is good or evil leads to fear. Remember Adam and the woman hid themselves because they were afraid. Fear is the result of not knowing or not walking in the promises and provisions of God. Fear is the opposite of faith. The tree of life is the tree of faith in God.
Circumstances in our past may have caused us to fear. The world suffers from issues of rejection, abandonment and abuse. When we bring those things into our present, we are weakened by the resulting fear. Some of the most common phrases in Scripture call us out of fear and into a faith relationship with our Lord.
Consider these scriptures out of the hundreds that speak against fear:
▪Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV): ”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
▪Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV): “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
When we lay our fear at the foot of the Cross and walk in the covenant promises that God has given His people, we become empowered. We know that we can rely on the guidance, protection and hope of the Holy Spirit Who indwells us
When we walk in faith, even though we do not know what the future holds, we do know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever more and that He is good and desires the best for us.
“Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand,
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.”
(Ira Stanphill)
