The First Story of Temptation

I find it interesting when reading my Bible that Eve had the first interaction recorded in the Bible between woman and food.  Now, let me be honest with you, this is not information that I came across all on my own.  This was something that was pointed out to me through Made to Crave.  When I read the story my mind can't get past why Satan tempted Eve first.  However, to think that this craving food issue has been around since the beginning is almost unreal!  When looking at the story of The Fall we cannot ignore the fact that the Serpent used food as a tool.  If the very downfall of humanity was caused when Eve surrendered to a temptation to eat something that she wasn't supposed to eat, I do think our struggles with food are important to God. (Lysa TerKeurst Made To Crave)

That temptation that Eve was facing must have been an extremely difficult one.  I am not saying that she was as tempted as I am to sit down with that Lindt chocolate bunny that is sitting on my counter.  What I am saying is that there must have been a very strong draw for her towards that food.  Satan doesn't chose what he uses to tempts us lightly.  There is reasoning behind it.  He knows what we crave, what draws us, he knows where we are weak.

So now what?  Do you find yourself less drawn to that bag of chips in the cupboard or, like me, the Lindt Chocolate Bunny on the counter?  Does it make you look at things a little differently?  It allows me to be reminded that Satan is going to hit me at my weakest points day in and day out.  Every hour of every day he will be there to draw me away from what matters most -- my relationship with God.

It is interesting when I think back on when I am tempted the most with unhealthy food choices.  It is more than likely when I am near or around something that triggers my cravings.  Fast food restaurants, snacks on the table while watching a movie, going to gatherings at friends' houses . . . these places are all open areas where I cannot hide from my temptations.

So the question arises:  what do I do?  I cannot stop going to friends' houses and I do not want to stop watching movies at home with my family.  Fast food restaurants are inevitable as they are everywhere.  So do I allow my temptations to win me over instead of filling myself up on all the wholeness and goodness that our Heavenly Father has to offer?  To I throw away everything that I have worked towards just because it is what is easiest?

God never said that things would be easy.  He never said that if we are to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him that our burdens would be light.  If I want to have a closer relationship with God and if I want to stop allowing my cravings for food to draw me away from Him, then I need to plant my feet firmly in the word and know that through Him, all things are possible.

So when I go to my friends' house I will stand firm and allow myself to only eat vegetables.  When I watch movies with my family I will make healthier choices and reach for that air popped popcorn instead of those greasy, salty chips.  And Fast Food restaurants?  Well, I will do everything in my power to avoid them.  Even if it means packing a lunch from home!  If that's not possible?  Then I will make healthy choices and opt for a wrap or salad instead of hamburger and fries.

My dear friends, we are never alone when we battle with Satan.  God is always there with us and He will stand firm with us.  We only need to ask.