Did God Really Say?:

How the Enemy Twists the Truth About God's Love

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’” -Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

From the moment human history began, there has been a whisper echoing through time--a dangerous, crafty whisper that calls us to question the heart of God: “Did God really say?” It was the first recorded lie, cloaked in a question, and it continues to reverberate through our thoughts today.

It’s not hard to hear that same voice in our modern lives. We may not be standing in a garden surrounded by fruit trees and wild animals, but the battle for belief still rages in our hearts. In quiet moments of grief, in unexpected detours, and in seasons of waiting or suffering, the enemy hisses that ancient question: “Did God really say He loves you? Is He really for you? Can He be trusted?”

And if we’re honest… sometimes… we wonder.

Satan's Strategy Hasn’t Changed

From Eden until now, Satan has been on a relentless mission to get God’s people to doubt Him. Why? Because Satan knows that the entire Christian life hinges on love: God’s love for us, our love for Him, and our ability to live in the security and identity that love provides. If the enemy can get you to doubt God’s love, he can sabotage your joy, steal your peace, and hinder your purpose.

He plants thoughts that challenge the truth of God’s goodness:

• “If God really loved you, why would He allow this to happen?”

• “If God is for you, why do you feel so alone?”

• “If God cares, why hasn’t He answered your prayer?”

These subtle questions work to uproot your trust and distort your identity. When you begin to doubt the unwavering, sacrificial love of God, your soul searches for something - anything - to fill the void. And that’s when idols sneak in. Approval from others, control over your future, money, success, a relationship, or even comfort. These become cheap replacements for the only love that truly satisfies.

The Truth That Silences the Lie

Let’s be clear: Satan is a liar. Jesus Himself said in John 8:44 that Satan “has no truth in him” and is the father of lies. When he says, “Did God really say?” it’s not an innocent question, it’s a calculated tactic to derail your trust in God.

But we don’t have to listen. We can resist his voice by clinging to the truth:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”- John 3:16

This is not a verse to gloss over. It is a cornerstone. If you ever doubt whether God loves you, look no further than the cross. Jesus’ sacrifice is the loudest declaration of God’s love the world has ever known. He didn’t just say He loves you, He proved it.

Living Rooted in God’s Love

Knowing God loves you is not a one-time revelation; it’s a truth you must return to repeatedly, especially when life feels uncertain or painful. Because when you are anchored in God’s love, you’re not easily shaken by circumstances or the enemy’s lies.

When trials come, and they will, you can stand firm. When prayers seem unanswered, you can trust His timing. When emotions run high and your heart feels weary, you can rest in the reality that God’s love for you has never changed.

But this takes intentionality. You must choose to believe the truth over your feelings. You must decide to trust God’s character over your circumstances. If you’re wrestling with the question, “Does God really love me?”, you’re not alone, and you’re not a failure for asking. But don’t stay stuck there. Instead, ask God today to cement His love deep in your heart and mind. Open His Word and let His truth speak louder than the lies. And the next time Satan whispers, “Did God really say?,” you’ll be able to answer with confidence: “Yes, He did. And I believe Him.”