Satan is a source of adversity

English: Job's Sons and Daughters Overwhelmed by Satan, by William Blake. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Satan is a source of adversity: Satan. In one sense he is ultimately behind all adversity. He is directly responsible for Adam and Eve’s being led astray and, therefore, for the calamity that followed. However, his involvement in adversity extends far beyond his activity in the Garden of Eden. He is alive and active today.

Several biblical accounts illustrate Satan’s role in adversity. The clearest example is the story of Job. Those who attribute all adversity to sin of some kind or a lack of faith have a difficult time with this narrative. They attribute Job’s problems to his pride or the sin of his children. But the writer puts those theories to rest in the first verse of the book.

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job, and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil. Job 1:1, emphasis

Later in the same chapter God Himself gives His evaluation of Job.

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”—Job 1:8

There can be no doubt about it. Job was a righteous man. The adversity he faced was not the result of pride. The ensuing discussion between God and Satan spells out exactly why Job suffered the way he did.

Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Hast Thou not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth Thy hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse Thee to Thy face.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD. —Job 1:9–12

So Satan sets out to destroy all Job has. Yet Job continues to serve God and walk in His ways. So Satan makes another request of God.

And Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. However, put forth Thy hand, now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse Thee to Thy face.” So the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.—Job 2:4–7

Job’s adversity was from Satan. The writer makes a clear distinction in this book. Satan dares God to send adversity into Job’s life. But God in turn instructs Satan to do the dirty work. Permission came from God. The adversity came from Satan.

Peter tells us that Satan is roaming around like a lion seeking those whom he can destroy through adversity. He writes,

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.—1 Peter 5:8–9

Oftentimes this passage is used to talk about Satan’s involvement in our temptations. The real context, however, is that of suffering. Satan roams around looking for ways to bring adversity into our lives. He wants us to suffer, for suffering often destroys one’s faith in God. Peter instructs these believers to be on the alert so that in the midst of their suffering they will not lose sight of who is causing it as well as how God is going to use it.

Stanley, C. F. (1989). How to handle adversity. Nashville: Oliver-Nelson.