We all have moments when we question things, wondering if we really heard God right or if maybe, just maybe, we know better. That struggle didn’t start with us—it’s been there from the very beginning. The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 is often seen as the beginning of sin, but it’s also a picture of misplaced trust, distorted truth, and how easily we can be led away from God’s best for us.

Did God Really Say That?

Eve’s encounter with the serpent didn’t start with outright rebellion. It started with a question. “Did God really say…?” That’s how the enemy works—planting seeds of doubt, twisting what God actually said, making us question His goodness. But notice something: Eve misquoted God. She added something He never said—“You must not even touch it.”

How often do we do the same thing? We assume we know what God means without actually knowing what He said. We take bits and pieces of scripture, mix them with our own fears or assumptions, and before we know it, we’re believing something that isn’t even true.

The Lie That Looked Like Truth

The serpent didn’t flat-out lie—he used a twisted version of the truth. He told Eve, “You will not certainly die.” Technically, that was true. She wouldn’t immediately drop dead. But what he didn’t tell her was that by stepping outside of God’s plan, she was cutting herself off from the source of life. The death wasn’t immediate, but it was certain.

This is how the enemy still operates today. He presents half-truths, making sin seem harmless or even beneficial. He convinces us that God is withholding something from us when, in reality, He’s protecting us. Eve wasn’t reaching for sin—she was reaching for something good, something that looked like wisdom. But good things, taken outside of God’s will, can still lead to destruction.

Where Was Adam?

A common misunderstanding is that Eve acted alone. But scripture tells us Adam was right there with her. He wasn’t deceived the way Eve was—he simply went along with it. He had been given the responsibility to guard and protect, yet he remained silent.

How often do we do the same thing? We see something happening that we know isn’t right, but instead of speaking up or standing firm, we stay quiet. We go along with it. And just like Adam, we end up bearing the consequences.

Shame Always Follows Sin

As soon as Adam and Eve ate the fruit, their eyes were opened—not in the way they expected. What was once innocent and free now felt exposed and vulnerable. Their immediate response? Hide. Cover. Pull away.

Isn’t that what sin does? It promises freedom but delivers shame. It convinces us we’re missing out, then leaves us feeling broken and distant from God. The first thing Adam and Eve did was try to fix it themselves, sewing together fig leaves—because when we mess up, our instinct is to cover it up. But no amount of human effort could undo what had been done.

God’s Grace Was Already at Work

Even in their failure, God didn’t abandon them. Yes, there were consequences, but there was also a plan—a plan that would one day lead to Jesus, the One who would restore what was lost. The story of the fall isn’t just about sin—it’s about redemption. From the very beginning, God had a way back.

What About Us?

The temptation to take control, to doubt God’s goodness, to believe we know better—it’s still alive today. We justify decisions based on what looks good in the moment, but real wisdom comes from trusting God’s timing and provision.

Where in your life are you trying to take control instead of trusting God? Are there areas where you’ve believed a half-truth rather than God’s actual word?

God isn’t withholding good things from you—He’s keeping them for the right time. His plans are better, His timing is perfect, and His grace is always enough.

Let’s Pray

God, we thank You for the way You love us, even in our failures. Help us to trust Your word and Your timing, to recognize the enemy’s lies, and to stand firm in Your truth. When we’re tempted to take control, remind us that Your plans are always for our good. We surrender our doubts and fears to You, knowing that You are a God who redeems. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want to go deeper into this conversation? Listen to today’s episode of the Hearing Jesus Podcast for more insights and practical application here: Test, Temptation, or Timing?