There is a spiritual dimension to life that is not visible to the naked eye. Scientists, physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists often explain the outcomes of natural life through cause and effect, emphasizing personal responsibility and a reality based in only what can be observed. Yet the Bible reveals a hidden spiritual reality that lies behind the veil of physical life.
While doctors rightly note that diseases are often caused by genetics, we know from Jesus’ ministry and the Bible that demons are sometimes a factor, as with the epilepsy of the boy in Matthew 17:14–18 (NKJV), caused by a demon. Psychiatrists say mental illness often involves chemical imbalances, along with other biological, social, and psychological factors. Yet we know that a legion of demons caused the mental illness of the demoniac in Mark 5:1–15 (NKJV), and I believe many cases today have the same root cause.
There is truth to the idea that we are masters of our own fates and destinies. In Part I and II of this series, we explored the concept that life is not a mystery, that we can predict outcomes, and that we’re largely products of our own choices and actions. However, in Part II, I also hinted that demonic machinations by unseen forces can sometimes influence our life’s outcomes. The story of Job offers a vivid illustration.
A Window Into The Supernatural
…a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil (Job 1:8, NKJV).
Job, according to God, was the above. Sometimes, sin is why tragedies happen to people, but we know from this testimonial that this was not the case with him. However, it is a fascinating window into the reality of this spiritual dimension and is one of the few accounts in the Bible where we see the power structures and the dynamics that sometimes shape our lives.
There are many lessons to draw from Job’s story—including those about family, marriage, friendships, relationships, and the question of God’s love in the face of His people’s anguish and suffering—but I’ll focus on two drawn from this heavenly scene:
First—and this is the most important lesson—is that demonic power, represented by Satan, is totally inferior to divine power and authority. Even Satan (also known as the devil) knows he is subordinate to God. It’s humans—and sadly, sometimes even believers—who are unaware of or forget this truth. So if the devil seems magnified in your imagination, it’s because God is small in your knowledge.
There are supernatural powers beyond our control that are always seeking to harm us and our loved ones. When God asked Satan if he had considered His servant Job, Satan didn’t say, “Who?” or “Who are you talking about?” That’s because he had already been watching Job—reconnoitering and surveilling him. However, Satan could not touch Job until God let him, when He said,
Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person (Job 1:12, NKJV).
Not only could Satan not touch Job until God permitted it, but God also set boundaries for him. If you’re a Christian believer, you are protected by God’s grace and providence. Unbelievers, on the other hand, may lack the same spiritual protection. God is infinitely greater than the devil and all his demonic forces.
Second, the tragedies that befell Job—the loss of his livelihood and children—were caused by the devil, not God. Likewise, many tragedies in the world today are rooted in demonic activity. Spiritual forces often shape physical realities, sometimes acting through human agents—like a person who opens gun fire in a school, mall, or church, or when a spouse commits murder, a child is born with a defect, or someone dies without explanation. Sadly, we often blame God for what the devil has done.
Deliver Us From The Evil One
Satan had wanted to harm Job but couldn’t, and he admitted as much: “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?” (Job 1:10). This is why I need God—and why you need Him too. Jesus wanted us to recognize this when He taught, in the Sermon on the Mount, that we should pray to God,
…But deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:13, NKJV).
He also says,
Each day’s own evil is sufficient (Matthew 6:34, WEB).
Every day carries its own potential for evil and trouble. I take every word of the Bible seriously, especially when it’s something Jesus says. So, when He tells us to pray this prayer, you better make sure you do it everyday.
We need deliverance from the devil. Many of the bad things that occur in the world and in human lives are engineered by the devil and his forces. However, we are protected by the name of Jesus—as long as our lives are aligned with Him.
Keeping our lives aligned with Him will be the topic of the next part in this series. Subscribe to be notified when the next installment lands. Leave a comment.