Why does God allow Satan to attack us?
Why does God allow Satan to attack us?
Answer
Satan has a measure of control over the world (1 John 5:19), and he uses his power to attack us in various ways: 1) He stirs up fleshly lusts within us that tempt us to sin. 2) He attempts to deceive us with worldly “wisdom” opposed to God’s truth. 3) He misleads us into a false gospel centered on a false Jesus. 4) He afflicts us physically with sickness, crime, tragedy, or persecution. Knowing that God is sovereign—Satan is not the ultimate ruler—we naturally ask, “Why does God allow Satan to attack us in these ways?”
The Bible teaches that God allows Satan a certain amount of freedom (see Job 1:12), but that freedom is always limited. Satan cannot do all that he wishes. Satan chooses to attack God’s children (see 1 Peter 5:8), and his design is always evil. In contrast, God’s design in allowing certain satanic attacks is always good; God loves His children (1 John 4:16). In the Old Testament, Joseph faced many satanic attacks in his lifetime, but in the end he could speak with confidence of two opposing purposes behind the same events: “You [his brothers] intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
We cannot blame God for what Satan does. Our vulnerability to satanic attack started with Adam’s choice to follow Satan’s lying suggestions in the garden of Eden. When Satan attacked Job through the loss of his family, wealth, and health, Job was careful not to blame God. Notice Job 1:21–22, “And he [Job] said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. TheLordgave, and theLordhas taken away; blessed be the name of theLord.’ In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong” (ESV).
As believers experience the attacks of Satan, they can trust the truth of Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God” (NKJV). This verse suggest that we will experience both good and bad, but “all” things can be made to contribute toward good ends as God works them out. So, even the attacks of Satan, although evil in themselves, can and will work toward a good result. God can use our troubles, including attacks from Satan, to conform us to Christ (see Romans 8:29), increase our love, strengthen our faith, and produce patience along with many other virtues. Praise God for His sovereign protection through it all. Thank Him for His plan to make everything—even Satan’s attacks—work together for our good!