This is Part 6 of 7 parts answering the question, “Are there unseen forces and other reasons God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 7 will be posted tomorrow.

Satan is Like a Roaring Lion, Creating Great Fear in Christians

When I was a child, my father used to wait until it was dark and then he would let out this horrendously loud and frightful roar! The first few times he set us on edge, but then we were ready for it and just laughed, because we knew it was our good father. Continue reading →

This is Part 6 of 7 parts answering the question, “Are there unseen forces and other reasons God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 7 will be posted tomorrow.

God Limits Satan on What He Can Do

As we read in Job chapters one and two, there is a very significant truth that we must not miss! Satan was limited as to how much harm he could cause Job. God prohibited Satan in the first strike from laying a “hand on his person.”  Later, Satan was allowed to touch Job, but had to “spare his life.” God is sovereign, even in the suffering that Satan can cause. And in this suffering, God has a purpose and we must trust Him in those purposes, which are sometimes beyond our finite comprehension. Continue reading →

This is Part 4 of 7 parts answering the question, “Are there unseen forces and other reasons God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 5-7 will be posted on succeeding days.

Satan Attacks so that Job would Accept False Theology

In the midst of pain, people are often willing to do anything to escape it. In Job’s case, with three friends all promoting the same ideology of “suffering because of sin,” Satan wanted Job to admit his fault of seeking after prosperity from God rather than a simple trust and worship of God for who He is. Waters writes, Continue reading →

This is Part 3 of 7 parts in answering the question, “Are there unseen forces and other reasons God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 4-7 will be posted on succeeding days.

Satan Attacks God’s People Using Any Vessel

Satan will use either believer or unbeliever in mounting his assaults and attacks against man! For example, If Satan moved David, a believer, to sin, is it possible for godly people today to do sinful things, as explained in 1 Chronicles 21:1?  If Jesus called Peter, “Satan,” is it possible for people to speak with a wrong motivation or provide half-truths to fit their agenda (cf. Matt. 16:21-23)?  Continue reading →

This is Part 2 of 7 parts answering the question, “Are there unseen forces and other reasons God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-7 will be posted on succeeding days.

Satan Argues with God that Man Has Wrong Motives

Satan had (and still has) a running argument with God and he didn’t seem to understand that he couldn’t (and still can’t) win! Satan went before Almighty God after having been “to and fro” on the earth (Job 1: 7). He sought a way to accuse man against the Lord.  He is as his name is defined – “the accuser.” He accused Job of being loyal to God only because of blessings received. Satan also accused God, “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.” (Job 1:10)  So if that is removed, then Job won’t be loyal to God. Satan implied that greed was really Job’s motive – “loyalty for greater prosperity.”  Larry Waters writes that this accusation that Job adhered to was a pragmatic religion, rather than merely a pure, intimate relationship of trust, Continue reading →

This is Part 1 of 7 parts answering the question, “Are there unseen forces and other reasons God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-7 will be posted tomorrow and on succeeding days.

Now that we have looked at many of the Divine purposes for suffering in the previous chapter, we need to look under the surface and into the heavens, and examine unseen forces and reasons God allows it. The subject matter was touched upon in Part 2, when we looked at the chapter entitled, “Who is the one who started the suffering that God allows? “  He, Satan, is not only the first rebellious creature but the one who continues to cause much of our suffering today. Continue reading →