Job 1:8 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?”
Job 2:3 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? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”
It is interesting that in these two verses, the word that is translated “Considered”, in Hebrew is closer to the English word “Studied”. It is a Hebrew word that a military general would use in studying his enemy for their area of vulnerability.
In the Lord questioning satan about Job, the Lord is asking if satan has studied Job for his weaknesses.
We have an enemy that is bent on our destruction. He studies us and is well acquainted with our weaknesses and areas of vulnerability. He knows exactly how far we can go before we fall into sin. He knows what areas of our flesh are at the greatest risk.
The Book of Ephesians gives us the antidote to satan’s attempts at breaking our resistance down.
First: Be strong in the Lord, not in your own flesh or understanding:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Second: There is an armor that is devil resistant: The armor provided by God.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Third: Recognize that is not an earthly enemy that you can fight against. He is invisible and has been around studying the weaknesses of human beings for thousands of years.
Ephesians 6:12-13 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual 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.
Fourth: Stay in the truth of God’s Word daily, and practice doing the right things the Bible prescribes:
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Fifth: Wherever your feet walk, be prepared to share the gospel of Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Sixth: If you have spent adequate time in the Bible everyday, then you will be armed with the faith that you need to let the attacks that come from people, initiated by satan, and not be affected by them. Remember that if you determine to live righteously for Jesus, you are an easy target for satan’s attacks. He will attack you by people who come across your path.
Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Seventh: Keep your mind on the fact that because of Jesus, you are already saved from the penalty of your sins. The Word of God is your sword that you use much as Jesus used the Word against satan in the wilderness when He was tempted. “Thus saith the Lord…” was Jesus constant answer to satan’s persistent attacks.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Eighth: Your most powerful weapon against every device satan has against you is prayer. Not just a casual few words that are shot up to God at a meal or in casual conversation. Diligent, persevering, constant and deep prayer for wisdom, protection and provision.
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
As you walk with Jesus today, remember that He will allow satan and his soldiers to have limited access to your life, for the benefit of sifting and refining you. Just as a good earthly father should not try to insulate his son or daughter from every hard task in life so that they can grow, so also does your Father in Heaven allow some distress, trial and pain to bring about the desirable qualities of patience and perseverance.
James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
Rob Robinson
