The Truth About Satan and Trials

“‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’” Luke 22:31-32 NIV

There are many times when I forget that God is in control of Satan. I see Satan as rambunctious and slipping through God’s grasp every time, like the villain who doesn’t get caught until the season of a series is over. But reading these verses reminded me that God has authority over Satan.
      He asked God to be able to test Peter. And it’s not the first time we see Satan approach God for permission to test one of His children. We see it in the book of Job as well.
      We have to remember that God is in control and on our side. Notice that Jesus acts as an intercessor and prays for Peter. We’d be wrong to think He doesn’t intercede for us also (check out Hebrews 7:25).
      Because God has control over Satan, I sometimes wonder why He doesn’t subdue him. Why does He let him throw trials our way?
      If God is allowing Satan to do something, it is because He has an even bigger plan to use the trial for our good. So, let’s look at some of the positive outcomes of trials. First, it is through these trials that we grow closer to God. Second, these trials strengthen us. We are able to endure more because of what we have already overcome.
      But notice also that we don’t go through trials merely for ourselves. Through them we must strengthen others. We know how draining it can be to get through trials, so we must use that knowledge to become more like Christ in the world. When we see a trial approaching (and even before that), we must pray for others and help fight the spiritual battle on their behalf. Also, we must guide them through their trial. If we know what it’s like then we can help them not feel alone or neglected, we can lift them up and encourage them through it, and we can offer advice.
      There can be so much power gained from the trials Satan throws at us, but what we believe about them will affect how we get through them. Will you still be on God’s side? Will you be stronger or weaker because of them?
      Remember the truth and you will not only be on His side, but you will also strengthen yourself, others, and your relationship with Him.