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Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil (Ephesians 6:11, NLT).
The Bible teaches that the Devil is scheming against us. He knows our weaknesses better than we do and lays traps to ensnare us.
The Book of Job contains one of the most interesting passages in the entire Bible — the only recorded conversation in heaven between God and Satan. Yes, Satan tempted Jesus directly, but in the Book of Job, we find insight into the origin of many trials on earth.
What do we learn from the Book of Job and spiritual warfare?
Our Adversary and Accuser
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them (Job 1:6, ESV).
Chuck Swindoll writes in his book entitled Job …
What does it mean? SahTahn is a Hebrew verb. Most often Hebrew words originate with the verb form. SahTahn means, “to be an adversary, to resist.” Therefore, in noun form it is often rendered, the Adversary or the Accuser. Satan accuses God’s people day and night. Suddenly the Accuser appears among the other angels.
Our Adversary Travels
The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it” (Job 1:7, ESV).
Satan doesn’t need a Gulfstream G700. He thinks, and he is there, from New York to Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas to Los Angeles (probably some of his favorite places to visit).
The evil one observes our lives and, along with his minions, devises plots to accuse and tempt us.
Satan Thrives on False Accusations
Have you not put a hedge around 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. stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face (Job 1:10-11, ESV).
The evil one didn’t have an accusation against Job’s character or actions. Job was a righteous man; even the Lord describes Job as a “blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil” (Job 1:8).
So, what did our adversary do?
He made a false accusation about Job’s character. Satan told God that Job was only faithful because of the blessings in his life.
What can we do?
Let’s remember that the brother of our Lord writes, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 1:8, ESV).
Under the most intense diabolical persecution, Job didn’t curse God …
And Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong (Job 1:21-22, ESV).
Even when we don’t understand our trials and attacks from the evil one, let’s stand in faith that God is good and that He loves.