God is in Control
Jennifer Williams
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2.
The concept that God is in control over everything is called the "sovereignty" of God. This means that he has complete and total independent control over every creature, event and circumstances at every moment in time. He is subject to none and is influenced by no one. Everything that happen is either allowed or caused by him so that his purposes may be fulfilled.
There is no power that can defeat the purposes of God. To prove what was in Job's heart, he allowed Satan to test him. Satan was convinced that Job would curse God if he removed his blessings from him. Job had a comfortable life, and he was a righteous man. Satan noticed that God had put a wall of protection around Job and all that belonged to him. God set the parameters as to how far Satan could go in testing Job, proving that He is in control of all circumstances.
The story of Job is a good lesson for us to learn. We may never be tempted to that extent, but for every believer, there is a line drawn as to how far the accuser is allow to go. God himself has set the boundaries according to His purpose. Job had no warning about the calamities that would come upon him. Satan strikes at unexpected times, and he strikes hard! As much as he has given us authority over all the power of the enemy, it is God who fight our battles. Moses said, "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm". Exodus 14:14.
If the enemy has inquired of the Lord about you, don't worry. God has you and He is in control. He intends to be victorious over Satan for his own glory. Let us not question God's integrity, but humbly bow before him and trust his sovereign goodness. Let us worship and bless him for the wisdom and justice of his ways, regardless of how difficult the circumstances. In the end you will be able to say like the Psalmist, "My suffering was good for me, it taught me to pay attention to your decrees" (Psalm 119:71)
In the end, like Job, you will know for sure that God can do anything. Later in the chapter he stated, "I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with mine own eyes". Job lost everything, his children, his wealth and his health, his friends blamed him, but God patrolled the parameters and Job did not die. The enemy cannot touch you without God's consent. He is an instrument used (by God) to help you draw near to him so that you can realize his will and purpose for your life.
Satan has only the power God created in him and the latitude to use it only as He permits and no more. John W. Ritenbaugh
Scripture references:
Job 1:6-22
Job 42
