Why does God allow Satan and the demons to attack us?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God allows Satan and his demons to attack us within His sovereign plan. He uses all things, including Satan and his demons attacking us, to test our faith, build our maturity, or prepare us to comfort others in their struggles (James 1:2–4; 2 Corinthians 1:3–5). Although Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), God uses even these attacks for the good of those who love Him and for His glory (Romans 8:28). God’s allowance of Satan’s activity is not due to a lack of power or desire to stop him, but rather because He has not yet bound Satan, and his influence is still upon this earth. Until Christ returns, God is giving people time to repent and turn to Him for salvation (2 Peter 3:9). Even when Satan or his demons attack us, we are not left defenseless, as God provides us with the armor of faith, His Word, and the promise that "he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Ultimately, we can stand firm knowing that Satan's power is limited, his defeat is certain, and God’s presence and help are always near (James 4:7).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• It is not God's desire for Satan to attack people. Satan attacked Eve in the Garden of Eden in the form of a serpent (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve sinned, and all people have become sinful in nature and are likewise open to the temptations of Satan (1 Peter 5:8).
• When God does allow Satan or his demons to attack a person, there are reasons for it. They fit within His sovereign plan. Job did not see why God allowed Satan to attack him (Job 1:12), yet God used the situation to thwart Satan's boasts and to bring glory to the Lord.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 10:10 tells us that Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy. He seeks to deceive, masquerading as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
• Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). However, his power is limited and has an end. His demise is sure (Revelation 20:10). It is true that God is all-powerful, so His allowing Satan to continue until his destruction is not out of a lack of ability or desire. Instead, He is giving people time to repent and turn to Him for salvation (2 Peter 3:9) and using even the evil that Satan schemes for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and for His glory.
• Sometimes God allows demonic temptation as a test. Even Jesus was tested through temptation by Satan in the desert (Matthew 4:1–10). Jesus, unlike Adam, passed the test. He said "no" to sin and won the victory.
• Sometimes God allows Satan or his demons to attack to build our maturity. James 1:2–4 highlights how trials and difficulties in life are used by God to develop perseverance, which leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.
• Although Satan attacks us with temptations, lies, and deceptions, Ephesians 6:10–18 speaks of putting on the armor of God to stand against Satan, depending on God through prayer and the use of the Word of God.
• Sometimes, the Lord allows testing, so we can be a comfort to others later. "Blessed be the . . .God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort, too" (2 Corinthians 1:3–5).
• Even when we have no clear answers to explain why God allows Satan or his demons to attack, we still have the promise of Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." No matter how severe the attack, we know that "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

No matter the challenge, including Satan and his demons attacking us, we are never alone or without God's protection. His Word assures us that we are under His care and that His power is far greater than any opposing force. As 1 John 4:4 reminds us, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." This promise encourages us to remain steadfast, knowing that our victory over the enemy is secured in Christ.

When spiritual attacks come, we can take comfort in God's nearness and guidance. James 4:7 instructs us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse emphasizes that our strength comes not from our own ability, but from our submission to God. By drawing close to Him, trusting in His power, and standing firm in His promises, we can confidently resist any spiritual assault, knowing that God’s help is always near.

UNDERSTAND

• God allows attacks from Satan because Satan is not yet bound and has power on earth; however, his power is limited.
• God uses the attacks from Satan and his demons for our good and His glory.
• God permits Satan’s influence and gives people time to repent and seek salvation before Satan's final defeat.

REFLECT

• How have personal experiences of spiritual or emotional attacks shaped your understanding of God's purpose and plan in your life?
• How have you seen God using your struggles or difficulties to develop your character and maturity?
• How can you better prepare yourself with the armor of God to face spiritual challenges and support others who are struggling?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding the limited nature of Satan's power and his eventual defeat affect our approach to dealing with spiritual warfare in daily life?
• How does God allowing time for repentance and salvation, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:9, impact our perspective on the existence of evil and suffering in the world?
• What can we learn from Jesus's response to temptation in Matthew 4:1–10 about resisting spiritual attacks and maintaining our faith?