Will God Use Satan To Perfect You?
© 2022 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Satan hates God. Since early in man’s history, he has sought to turn people against God. There is an interesting account in Scripture about one man Satan targeted.
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed [avoided] evil.” (Job 1:1)
As we continue reading this account, we discover that Job was blessed with a beautiful family and great wealth. In fact, we’re told he was,
“… the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3)
God, however, decided to use Satan to further purify Job’s love for Him. Perhaps Job’s love for God had, or would, become partially dependent upon God’s continued great blessings. Enter Satan.
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. … And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?” (Job 1:6-9)
In His love for Job, God was about to use Satan, who hated Job, to purge pride from his heart. In this way, God would further solidify Job’s unconditional commitment to Himself. Satan challenged God to remove all material blessings from Job. God gave Satan permission to do so. All of a sudden, terrible disasters occurred in rapid succession. Job’s oxen, sheep, and camels were all stolen or destroyed by enemies or fire. The servants that tended them were all slaughtered. A great wind from the wilderness killed all his sons and daughters who were celebrating in their eldest brother’s house. Upon hearing all this painful news, Job refused to curse God, but said:
“…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)
After this, Satan said that if God allowed Job’s own health to be afflicted, Job would certainly curse Him. So God allowed Satan to afflict Job with painful boils from head to foot. Job and his wife were heartbroken and destitute. Job still refused to curse God.
As you read the rest of God’s book about Job, you will hear God ask Job many questions. These questions dealt with Job’s inherent weakness, and with hidden pride which seemed to have crept into his heart. In the end, Job responded with the following words.
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5-6)
Are you a fellow Christian trusting Christ as Savior? Do we need God’s perfecting work as Job did? When it comes, will we be angry with God or submit with humility and praise for Him?
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