Whoa! Just so you know, I don’t see a demon behind every bush nor do I blame Satan for every evil thing that happens. HOWEVER… The Adversary loves going after God’s Children as often as he is allowed. Again… As often as he is allowed. So it is wise to consider briefly the spiritual war taking place we do not see…
In the big eternal scheme Satan is nothing more than a pawn, 100% under God’s control to accomplish His (God’s) will. Satan cannot do anything what-so-ever that is not approved by God in His loving wisdom, providence, and will. Two cases in point, Job and Peter.
Case #1: Job. A thoughtful reading of Job 1-2 sets forth several points for consideration. First, GOD is the one who brought up Job… Satan didn’t (1:8, 2:3). Second, Satan tried to attack Job and couldn’t because God prevented him from doing so (1:9-10). Third, Satan was only allowed to do what God decreed (1:12, 2:6). Next, God never revealed to Job during his life the God/Satan conversation in heaven. Also, God never answered Job’s questions about why nor any of his complaints about the severity of what took place in the rest of the book. Then there are at least two interesting passages worth heavy consideration…
Job 13:15 Though He (God) slay me, I will hope in Him…
Job 19:25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. 26 And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God…
Reflections: Is it possible the same or similar conversation has/is/will take place about us? Could it be that God put the book of Job in Scripture for His Children to be encouraged rather than discouraged? Do things take place in another realm directly related to us that: 1) We don’t know about? And 2) If we knew them we’d be incapable of understanding them? NOTE: You may have other questions which I’d love to read.
Case #2: Peter. Jesus revealed something to Peter that was incomprehensible at the time. It is recorded Jesus said to Peter in Luke 22:31-33, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Note several phrases worth serious meditation:
“Satan has demanded to… sift you like wheat,” “But I have prayed for you,” “That your faith may not fail,” “And when you have turned again,” “Strengthen your brothers,” Then consider Peter’s reply.
Reflections: 1) The heavenly conversations continue between God and Satan. 2) We are not privy to them unless God reveals them. 3) Jesus {And the Holy Spirit} pray and intercede on our behalf. 4) The conversations always center around faith in God for His glory. 5) The outcome of the test is not in doubt (“WHEN you have turned…”). 6) There are purposes for others AFTER the test {“Strengthen your brothers,” and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7}. 7) Peter didn’t and couldn’t comprehend all Jesus said to him.
Ever been confused about what God was/is doing? Ever felt left out of the loop as your life plays out? Ever wondered if God were active in life as you looked at things with human perspective? Ever been in pain, discomfort, hardship, and/or difficulty and wondered if you’d make it through?
If so… meditate on Job and Peter. Contemplate and compare their life events to yours (Ours aren’t NEARLY as hard as their’s were no matter how difficult ours are!).
Seriously note that in both cases God had purposes and reasons neither Job nor Peter knew or understood.
Note carefully God did not abandon Peter or Job even though they both “failed” at times during their circumstances.
Embrace that God is God… no matter what… and as His Child you will one day see Him. Thus Colossians 3:1, “(Since) you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
I conclude with what Paul wrote to Timothy… “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything“ (2 Timothy 2:7).