By Shane Kastler
God and Satan are not equal forces. While God is clearly the perfect standard of all things good; and Satan is the opposite of that; they are not equal and opposite forces. God is sovereign over all things, including Satan. Therefore Satan cannot inflict damage unless God so allows it. We see this in several places throughout scripture.
One of the most righteous men described in the Old Testament was a man named Job. Satan inflicted horrendous suffering on Job in an effort to get him to “curse God.” But many would be surprised to know that Satan was not allowed to do anything to Job without God's permission. And in fact, it was actually God who brought Job's name up to Satan. The Bible says, “The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” (Job 1:8-12)
Satan was allowed to wreak havoc in Job's life. But Job ultimately survived and stayed faithful to God through it all. You and I can do the same thing when trials befall us. And we can do it the same way Job did. Job knew that God was sovereign over Satan and that while Satan bore responsibility for his cruelty, that God ruled over Satan and had a purpose in mind that neither Job nor Satan could understand. The fact is that we don't always understand what God is doing, but we do know that we can always trust in Him and be mindful that He knows best.
Job's wife questioned why he didn't just “curse God and die” since his suffering was so massive. But Job's answer to her is very telling about where his heart was. He responded, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10) Job had been blessed in many ways, and he knew the blessings came from God. Now, he was suffering in many ways, and he knew that this too came from God.
Our greatest understanding, and deepest spiritual growth will most likely occur when we fully embrace the Biblical reality of God's absolute and supreme sovereignty. When blessings come, we thank Him. When trials come, we trust in Him. And, by knowing Christ Jesus as Lord, when the end comes, we will go to Him. No matter what you face today, trust in God to see you through. He is in control. Rest in this reality.
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