These are certainly troubling times. Many in this world are facing a variety of personal challenges. Whether financial, physical, social, mental or some combination of these, there is a source that I believe is at the bottom of our present dilemma during this COVID-19 pandemic.
I seldom write on the Evil One, but he does exist and certainly has been wreaking havoc recently. Please have an open mind to his existence in the spiritual realm.
Jesus spent more time talking about Satan’s existence and the reality of Hell than He spoke on the reality of Heaven. After all, He knew we would be tempted by Satan during our short time in this world.
He’s known as the prince of the air and he’s been given permission to roam over the earth looking for those he can discourage and deceive, and accuses God of all that goes awry. He wants to take as many with him in the end as he possibly can.
This world often blames God for the many natural disasters and I’m certain many blame Him for our current pandemic as well. Yes, God can calm the seas and end the storms of life, but He also can allow them to remain for a season.
Jesus’ final words in the Olivet Discourse found in John 16:33 prepares all who follow Him what we must all face: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Many years ago, while going through a distressful time in my life, I took to task reading the Book of Job. Here’s what I learned from that study. God does not do us harm, but He will allow Satan to cause injury in order to test us and strengthen us in our life journey.
Job was tempted by Satan with the loss of all his family and his earthly possessions, which were many. Then he was afflicted with sores all over his body.
In short, Satan asked God’s permission to do these things to God’s servant Job. Through it all, Job remained faithful to the Lord.
In Job 2:9-10 we read, “His wife said to him, ‘Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!’ He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
The next 35 chapters are a continual dialogue between Job and his friends. As I read those chapters, I can see Satan’s Subtle Seduction clearly.
I’ll leave the reading of all 42 chapters to those wishing to do a deeper study into this story of faith and trust from affliction. And like all good books, please read the final chapters to hear God’s dialogue to Job and all His creation.
These days, Satan continues to tempt us in many ways, and most are subtle through the actions and comments of those all around us. Then there’s the impact of media, which has constantly been utilized by the Evil One to discourage us and tempt us to be about fulfilling our own selfish motives and desires.
Let me recommend one excellent literary work on the subject of Satan’s plan of destruction: The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis, which will enlighten your understanding of God’s No. 1 enemy.
I do have some good news to share. We can all have victory over Satan, since we have certain assurance proclaimed in 1 John 4:4. Please hear God’s words: ”You dear children, are from God and have overcome them (false teachers), because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Let me end with these words found in 1 John 5:3-5: “This is love for God: to obey His commands and His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
Passages to Ponder
— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at jim@fourthquarterstrategies.com for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.