Job 1:9–12 (NIV)
9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
12 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. |
As a young boy in primary school, there were two events every year that I particularly looked forward to. The first was Christmas: a time when the family would come together, play games and eat good food. Even now, those memories give me such a warm feeling whenever I think about them. The second was my birthday. Every year I would have a party, and friends and family would come together to celebrate. Maybe that's why I'm not particularly fussed about my birthday now; I had enough parties when I was younger to last me a lifetime!
There was, however, one birthday tradition I could have done without.
I don't know where it originated, but there was a trend where the birthday boy would get “rushed” by everyone, sometimes referred to as “birthday beats.”
I will never forget one particular birthday. I suddenly had this feeling that something was about to happen. I could sense people conspiring to rush me, so I went on high alert. I was ready to leg it the moment I saw anyone approaching! Sure enough, friends and family members started running towards me. I tried to escape, but it wasn't long before I was on the floor with everyone preparing to pile on top of me.
My dad saw what was about to happen. Before everyone could jump on me, he jumped over me. I couldn't see much underneath him, but I could hear and feel everyone piling on top. The difference was that the full weight wasn't falling on me because someone was standing between me and what was coming against me.
That childhood memory comes to mind when I read Job 1.
Satan believes that if Job loses everything God has given him, Job will turn against God. Yet notice something important in the conversation: Satan cannot simply do whatever he wants.
God establishes the boundary:
“Everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” — Job 1:12
Satan is an adversary, but he is an adversary with limits.
We see something similar when Jesus speaks to Peter:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” — Luke 22:31–32 (NIV)
Scripture never encourages us to pretend that spiritual opposition isn't real. Satan is described as “the accuser of our brothers and sisters” — Revelation 12:10, and Jesus describes him as “a liar and the father of lies” — John 8:44.
One of the enemy's greatest weapons is falsehood.
God has abandoned you.
You will never change.
There is no hope for your situation.
God cannot use you.
You are alone.
If the enemy's weapon is lies, one of our greatest defences is God's truth.
This is why Paul describes the spiritual battle by telling believers to put on the armour of God, beginning with “the belt of truth” — Ephesians 6:14.
However, there is another truth we must remember: Satan is not God's equal.
Christianity does not present God and Satan as two equal forces battling to see who will eventually win. Satan is created; God is Creator. Satan is limited; God is sovereign. And through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Satan's ultimate defeat has already been secured.
Jesus declared:
“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
The enemy may oppose God's people, but he cannot overthrow what Christ has determined to build.
As you fast and pray today, don't spend the day becoming preoccupied with the enemy. Fix your attention on Jesus. Recognise the battle, discern the lies, but remember who has ultimate authority.
The accuser has limits. Our God does not.
There was, however, one birthday tradition I could have done without.
I don't know where it originated, but there was a trend where the birthday boy would get “rushed” by everyone, sometimes referred to as “birthday beats.”
I will never forget one particular birthday. I suddenly had this feeling that something was about to happen. I could sense people conspiring to rush me, so I went on high alert. I was ready to leg it the moment I saw anyone approaching! Sure enough, friends and family members started running towards me. I tried to escape, but it wasn't long before I was on the floor with everyone preparing to pile on top of me.
My dad saw what was about to happen. Before everyone could jump on me, he jumped over me. I couldn't see much underneath him, but I could hear and feel everyone piling on top. The difference was that the full weight wasn't falling on me because someone was standing between me and what was coming against me.
That childhood memory comes to mind when I read Job 1.
Satan believes that if Job loses everything God has given him, Job will turn against God. Yet notice something important in the conversation: Satan cannot simply do whatever he wants.
God establishes the boundary:
“Everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” — Job 1:12
Satan is an adversary, but he is an adversary with limits.
We see something similar when Jesus speaks to Peter:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” — Luke 22:31–32 (NIV)
Scripture never encourages us to pretend that spiritual opposition isn't real. Satan is described as “the accuser of our brothers and sisters” — Revelation 12:10, and Jesus describes him as “a liar and the father of lies” — John 8:44.
One of the enemy's greatest weapons is falsehood.
God has abandoned you.
You will never change.
There is no hope for your situation.
God cannot use you.
You are alone.
If the enemy's weapon is lies, one of our greatest defences is God's truth.
This is why Paul describes the spiritual battle by telling believers to put on the armour of God, beginning with “the belt of truth” — Ephesians 6:14.
However, there is another truth we must remember: Satan is not God's equal.
Christianity does not present God and Satan as two equal forces battling to see who will eventually win. Satan is created; God is Creator. Satan is limited; God is sovereign. And through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Satan's ultimate defeat has already been secured.
Jesus declared:
“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
The enemy may oppose God's people, but he cannot overthrow what Christ has determined to build.
As you fast and pray today, don't spend the day becoming preoccupied with the enemy. Fix your attention on Jesus. Recognise the battle, discern the lies, but remember who has ultimate authority.
The accuser has limits. Our God does not.
Reflection
Scripture reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” — Ephesians 6:12.
What lies have you been tempted to believe about God, yourself or your circumstances?
Identify them today and ask: What does God's Word say instead?
What lies have you been tempted to believe about God, yourself or your circumstances?
Identify them today and ask: What does God's Word say instead?
Prayer
Father, help me to recognise and reject the lies of the enemy. Where accusation, fear and falsehood have influenced my thinking, renew my mind through the truth of Your Word. Give me discernment to recognise spiritual opposition without becoming consumed by it.
Thank You that the enemy is not Your equal and that his authority is limited. Help me to stand firm in Christ, knowing that Jesus has already won the victory.
Today, I choose to believe Your Word above every lie and to place my confidence in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank You that the enemy is not Your equal and that his authority is limited. Help me to stand firm in Christ, knowing that Jesus has already won the victory.
Today, I choose to believe Your Word above every lie and to place my confidence in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.