3-Truths From Jesus for Us-Part 2 Asking God's Permission

And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person. So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:12 (NKJV)

We are looking at a 3-part devotional series titled, "3-Truths From Jesus for Us."  The 3-truths we have been given are derived from Luke 22:31-32 where we see Jesus speaking to Simon Peter about his future.  Jesus warns Peter, "Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat," and then gives him an assurance when He tells Peter, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail." 

In Part 1, we learned our 1st truth given to us from Jesus within this set of Scriptures concerning our lives, and it is:

1.    God knows everything the future holds.

So, lets take a look at the 2nd truth Jesus gave to Peter and to us to equip us for the temptations we face.

2.    Satan has to ask the permission of God to come against us.

Every one of us will be attacked by the enemy throughout our lives while living within these temporary bodies of flesh (Tents, see 2Cor 5:1-8).  Jesus was attacked and tempted by Satan after a 40-day fast (Matt. 4:1-11).  We have not been given any promise by God, exempting us from attacks by the enemythe promise He has given to us is, we will not being tempted by more than what we can bear.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

We must understand this truth - Satan cannot simply unload both barrels on us and attack us in any manor he chooses.  Satan had to ask for permission to sift Peter as wheat.  This clearly shows he does not have total access, but is limited to whatever God will allow. Again, in 1 Corinthians 10:13, we are told, God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, we are again given the truth about God being the one who "Allows" the degree of temptation we are to receive - not Satan. 

Clearly, we can see, we, as Christians, are under God's divine protection.  We can see a perfect picture of this protection in the story of Job.  

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.  And the LORD said to Satan, From where do you come?  So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. Then the LORD said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. Job 1:6-10 (NKJV)

So, we can see Satan had to go to God and ask His permission to tempt Job and to put him in the midst of a trial.  And we can see in verse 10 of this set of Scriptures, Satan identifies a "Hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side."

Q:    What does this mean to us as Christians?

A:    It means we can be fully confident in the midst of any trial - albeit a financial crisis, a health issue, a fractured relationship, the loss of a loved one, or any other type of tribulation or testing we may face.  We can know with certainty, God loves us and is living inside us, ready to lead us in all understanding, or simply guide us when we don't understand.

Satan's attack was to make the insinuation of Job to be a hypocrite in his worship and adoration of God.  Satan claimed he could have Job cursing God once His protective hedge was removed.  God knew Job's heart, and his love for God. He knew exactly what Job would do.  All God did was allow this test to come upon Job to allow Jobs faith to strengthen - to allow Job to bring both honor and glory to God.   And to allow Job to learn just how much he himself, truly loved God.

Hey Christian, walk in faith today no matter what you may be facing.  Encourage other believers when the opportunity arises as well.  God is in control and He has a plan for everything we will face.  

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn in the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to Satan's temptations and attacks upon us, and with regard to Gods protection?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you walking in fear of the enemy and his abilities, or are you putting your faith in God and walking in peace?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord continuously about everything you face.  Ask for His wisdom (James 1:5), guidance (Prov. 3:5-6), and the filling of His Spirit (Eph. 5:18) each and every day to equip you to handle all you will face.