There are many things that happen to us in life that cause us to wonder, "What have I done to deserve this?" Each of us has had many things which cause us to question "Why did this happen to me or to someone close to me?"
Every Christian whether a new convert in Christ or an old warhorse of the faith are going to have many things that cause us to question is the Lord still with me? Have I done something to cause the Lord to be angry with me? These are some of the assumptions we may make when we are unprepared for the darts that the devil may throw our way. The apostle Peter wrote in his first letter to the church. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9. Do you remember the trials of Job? Who was it that asked for Job to be tested? 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. "But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" So 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 1:8-12. Now Job's trials were far greater difficulties than just the loss of his livestock and possessions. Job lost his entire family except for his wife. He even lost his health for many months with a loathsome disease of painful boils which kept him in agony to point he cursed the day he was born. God never tells Job why Job was tried by the devil. It is simply the fact that unprotected by God, mankind is no match for the devil. But God placed limits on the devil and he still does today. God is the only one who can protect us from evil or difficulties. But God never promises we will never be tested by the trials of life. I believe the many trials we go through in life are just like the trials Job experienced. God said Job was a faithful and just man. Because Job was faithful even the devil recognized God's protection and blessings surrounding Job. God always placed limits on the devil and it was never more than Job could stand. You may remember at one point Job's trials Job said he hated the day he was born but Job never sinned by blaming God for his difficulties. Job knew he was innocent of any sin of which he had not repented. Job's own wife was not so sure. She encouraged Job to curse God and die.
Now it is doubtful that many of us will ever face all the same kinds of difficulties Job faced. But many of us will face some of them. We are human and we will be tested by life and Satan. Some of you have lost loved ones. Others have had to battle against diseases and perhaps you never fully recovered. Still other have had to battle with losing their jobs, homes, families or their possessions. All of these experiences are painful and difficult to accept when they occur.
The important thing that we need to remember is we all will be tested by Satan's trials and temptations. If you are a faithful Christian God will always place limits on the devil and He will never let you be overwhelmed by those trials even though they may be difficult. 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.
1 Corinthians 10:13. We always need to remember it is not God who is tempting us. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
James 1:13. Satan would like nothing better than for us to believe that it is God who is placing these temptations and difficulties in our paths. By doing so if he can convince you that God is against you, then he knows he has already won the battle. It is only by our faith in God and his protection that can insure our ultimate victory over life's many trials. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:16-17. Why does James warn us not to be deceived? All temptation and many associated difficulties come from Satan. We need to recognize that truth. We also need to understand everything that is good comes from God. He is the only one able to limit the impact of evil on our lives through his power and protection. Without God none of us really have any hope of standing against the onslaught of the devil. Paul wrote to the Ephesians' church. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against s piritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18. We have a loving and all-powerful God who is greatly concerned over our continued well being. We need to have a steadfast faith in that God will not allow us to be overcome by the difficulties and trials of this life.
The Lord Jesus went before us to experience everything in life we might have to face so he could truly be our mediator with our Father in heaven. He even chose to face death for our sake. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:17-18. Are you facing life without the aid of God's protection?
All references are from the New King James translation of the Bible . ©1982
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