TUESDAY September 23, 2025
Tested by Permission
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
Job 1:1
The book of Job is unique in that it draws back the curtain to show us a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes in the heavenly realm. Satan was given permission by God to test the life of Job.
We are shown how Satan presented himself before the Lord. Notice that Satan is in subjection to the Lord, who asked, “Where have you been?” He answered, “I have been cruising up and down the earth.” God told him, “Have you considered my servant Job, as there is none like him in all the world?” Satan remarked back, “Everybody knows about your little servant Job. How can I do anything to him when you are always protecting him?” Satan continued, “You are always watching over him.”
In response, God gave Satan permission to test Job. There was a raid, and Job’s oxen and donkeys were taken; and in the process, his servants were killed. Fire from heaven devoured his sheep and more servants. Yet another raid happened, and all the camels were taken, and even more of his servants were killed. Sadly, his beloved sons and daughters were all killed when a great wind caused the house they were in to collapse.
What was Job’s godly response to all these terrible tragedies? He said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Job did not charge God falsely. He passed the test.
Satan asked a second time to test Job. This time he asked for permission to strike Job, and expected him to curse God to His face. God allowed it, but told Satan to spare his life (Job 2:6). Satan left immediately. Job was covered with boils from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet! He could not stand, sit or lie down. Even Job’s wife looked at him and said: “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). Job rebuked her for her foolishness––“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10).
God alone gives Satan the permission to test you. He is still on the throne. I encourage you to have the same mind-set as Job. Pass the test!
Only in heaven are we out of gunshot of the devil.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
