When the Enemy Whispers: God Gave Me Permission To Mess With You!

Your Response to Adversity Determines Your Strength

Nov 01, 2024

Imagine Satan whispering in your ear: “God gave me permission to mess with you.” You’re already feeling beaten down, overwhelmed, maybe even defeated. And now this? The idea that your trials are not just happening but allowed by God Himself can shake a man’s spirit. But, brothers, we have two choices when adversity hits us like this: to let those trials define us or to let them refine us.

The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of suffering. In fact, it reveals how men of God who faced unimaginable pain and loss learned to persevere and emerge stronger. Job and the Apostle Paul are two powerful examples. Job’s suffering was beyond comprehension, yet he held to his faith, even as Satan tested every fiber of his being. Paul, despite enduring endless hardship and persecution, pressed on in faith and obedience to Christ.

Today, we live in a world where values are turned upside down, and challenges are mounting daily. So, how do we respond when adversity whispers its threats in our ears? Brothers, we stand, we fight, and we let our faith be the armor that repels every attack.

Understanding the Reality of Spiritual Warfare

Let’s be clear: the enemy’s tactics are cunning. Satan loves to twist the truth, to make you believe you’re helpless, that God has abandoned you, or that you’re not worthy of His help. But this is a lie. Look at Job—Satan challenged God, claiming that Job’s faithfulness was based only on his blessings. So God allowed Satan to test Job’s loyalty, permitting him to attack everything Job held dear. And attack he did. Job’s livestock, servants, health, and even his children were stripped away. Satan’s goal? To break Job’s spirit, to make him curse God, to destroy his faith.

But Job did something remarkable: he didn’t cave in. Yes, he questioned, he grieved, and he struggled deeply. But he didn’t turn his back on God. Despite his pain, Job declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). Job’s suffering was allowed, but not because God was cruel. Rather, God knew Job’s heart, his faith, and his resilience. Job’s trials were an opportunity for him to grow, for his faith to shine even brighter in the darkest of times.

Now, look at Paul, a man who faced unimaginable opposition for the sake of the Gospel. Imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, betrayed—Paul knew suffering inside and out. But instead of bitterness, he responded with resolve. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, after pleading with God to remove his “thorn in the flesh,” Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” God didn’t remove the trial, but He promised His strength in the midst of it.

Brothers, Satan’s whispers in your ear may sound convincing. But understand this: God’s power is greatest when we are at our weakest. When you feel beaten down and alone, remember that God is in control, even if He’s allowing a trial to test your faith.

The Purpose Behind Our Trials

Satan wants to twist our view of suffering, making us think it’s pointless, unfair, and even cruel. But Romans 5:3-4 tells us, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Our trials have a purpose. God allows them not to break us, but to shape us.

Think about it: if Job had never suffered, we wouldn’t know his faith. If Paul had never been tested, the depth of his devotion to Christ would never have been revealed. Our trials are not obstacles but opportunities to show the world—and ourselves—just how faithful we are willing to be.

Every man of God will face challenges that test his faith. So, when Satan whispers, “God gave me permission to mess with you,” you have a choice to make. Will you let the trial weaken you, or will you let it strengthen you? Will you let Satan plant seeds of doubt, or will you declare your trust in God louder than ever?

How to Stand Strong in the Face of Trials

When the battle rages, and you feel like giving up, there are practical steps you can take to stand strong.

Recognize the Enemy’s Lies
Satan wants you to believe you’re alone, that God has abandoned you, and that your suffering is meaningless. Fight this by grounding yourself in truth. James 4:7 instructs us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” When Satan whispers lies, counter them with the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 calls Scripture “the sword of the Spirit.” Use it to silence his accusations.
Strengthen Your Faith Through Prayer
Job and Paul were both men of prayer. Job cried out to God from his suffering, and Paul continuously prayed for strength and courage. Make prayer your first response, not your last resort. When trials press down, press deeper into prayer.
Lean on Your Brothers
Satan wants you isolated. He wants you to think that you’re the only one facing this level of trial. But God created us for community, for brotherhood. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Seek out brothers who can pray with you, stand with you, and help you bear the burden. You’re not meant to face this alone.
Let Trials Deepen Your Dependence on God
Both Job and Paul learned that trials can actually bring us closer to God. When everything else is stripped away, we’re forced to rely fully on Him. This dependence is powerful; it builds unshakable faith. Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Depend on Him fully, knowing that His power is greatest in our weakness.

A Call to Fight With Faith

So, brother, when Satan whispers, “God gave me permission to mess with you,” let your response be this: “My God is greater, and He will use this trial to refine me.” Don’t give in to despair. Don’t let the whispers of the enemy discourage you. You are a warrior in God’s army, and your trials are not pointless. They’re your proving ground.

Remember Job, who lost everything yet still worshiped. Remember Paul, who suffered relentlessly yet pressed on. And remember that the same God who stood with them stands with you now. When trials hit, respond with faith. Let your endurance be a testament to God’s strength in you.

In this upside-down world, when things seem darkest, let your light shine brighter. Stand strong, fight with faith, and let every trial you face deepen your trust in the One who holds victory in His hands.

Your brother in Christ,
Matthew Adams

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