“So the Lord God said…” Genesis 3:14, 16, 17

God Almighty, Your word is full of so much power. It was your Word that brought this world into existence. You spoke and things simply came to be. You spoke and commanded Adam and Eve as to how they should live with you and within the garden. You spoke clearly with both promise and threat so that they knew how they should live in this world with you. But the devil led them to question your Word and led them into all sorts of sins. And that’s his game in my heart and life. The devil would have me question your word and your ways. He would have me go my own way. He would lead me to question your Word in so many different ways-to doubt the promise of your forgiveness and mercy, to doubt the promise of my standing with you, to doubt your will in my life. The devil wants me to begin to say in my heart, “Did God really say that?” Then he’s got me. But Lord, your voice rises up to defend me. Your word both brings into effect the curse of the Devil and the promise for your people. You spoke and the Devil stood cursed. Even though the snake crusher had not come, the devil was as good as cursed. And also for Adam and Eve. You spoke and the Word rescued. Even though the Rescuer had not yet come, they were as good as rescued. This is the power of your Word, O God. Lead me to trust your Word. It is my rescue. It is my hope. It is my strength. Amen.

The Word of God effects both curse of the devil and our cure. His Word makes those things happen.