Why does God permit Satan's attacks on us?

I. Understanding Satan’s Role and Nature

Satan, whose name means “adversary,” is depicted throughout Scripture as one who opposes God and His people (1 Chronicles 21:1). He first appears in Genesis 3 as the deceiver in the Garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 3:1–5). The Book of Job provides a more detailed glimpse of Satan’s activity: he appears before God, seeking permission to afflict Job in order to test his faith (Job 1:6–12). Satan’s primary aim is to undermine divine purposes by inciting rebellion, disbelief, and separation from God. He operates as a fallen angel—still under God’s ultimate sovereignty—but with a measure of influence in the present world (Ephesians 2:2).

II. The Sovereignty of God Over Evil

Despite Satan’s hostile actions, Scripture consistently affirms that God rules over all creation (Psalm 103:19). The narrative in Job underscores this truth: Satan is only permitted to attack Job within limits set by God (Job 2:6). Although evil exists and Satan is real, nothing and no one surpasses the Almighty in authority. This sovereignty means that God can use even the enemy’s intentions for a greater purpose, mirroring Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”.

III. The Testing and Refinement of Faith

One primary reason Scripture gives for God’s permitting Satan’s attacks is the testing and strengthening of believers. In the epistle of James, readers are exhorted, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2–3). These trials may include spiritual assaults orchestrated by Satan. As illustrated by the refining process of precious metals, moments of difficulty can remove impurities and refine a believer’s character (1 Peter 1:6–7).

IV. Demonstrating Genuine Endurance

Permitting Satan’s attacks also highlights the authenticity of a believer’s commitment to God. In the Gospels, Jesus warns Simon Peter that “Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail…” (Luke 22:31–32). Genuine faith is revealed under hardship, and in Peter’s case, even his failures led to greater humility and usefulness in ministry.

V. Spiritual Growth Through Dependence on God

Afflictions often result in deeper reliance on God and recognition of human weakness. The Apostle Paul describes a “thorn in his flesh,” a messenger of Satan, which drove Paul to depend more fully on God’s power (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). When believers face satanic opposition, they become more aware that their victory and strength lie not in human effort but in divine grace (Ephesians 6:10–12).

VI. Protection Through Obedience and Prayer

While attacks are permitted, God also provides means of protection. Ephesians 6:13–18 encourages believers to take up the “armor of God,” including truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Prayer is emphasized repeatedly in Scripture as a powerful defense, with Jesus teaching His disciples, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40). The existence of a spiritual battle calls believers toward vigilance, alertness, and alignment with God’s instructions.

VII. Illustrations from Job and Other Accounts

Job’s story stands out as a historical example—supported by early manuscript evidence and recognized in the Dead Sea Scrolls—that displays how human faith and God’s sovereignty intertwine amidst satanic attacks. Job’s anguish ultimately led him to deeper understanding of God’s greatness (Job 38–42). Even modern anecdotal accounts testify of believers enduring severe opposition, yet expressing that their hardships refined them, deepened their compassion, and broadened their ministry.

VIII. Free Will and the Reality of Choice

Human freedom is integrally tied to the existence of evil. If God removed all possibility of evil acts or satanic deception, genuine choice and moral growth would be forfeited. Satan’s seduction in Eden tested Adam and Eve’s willingness to submit to the Creator, underscoring that disobedience was an actual possibility (Genesis 3:6). That same principle persists today, with believers standing as moral agents capable of resisting evil through the Spirit’s empowerment (Galatians 5:16–17).

IX. Pointing to God’s Ultimate Victory

Although permitted for a season, Satan’s assaults foreshadow his final defeat. At the cross, Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15). In Revelation, Satan is ultimately cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). The allowance of satanic attacks serves as part of a larger narrative in which God demonstrates His justice, mercy, and power, culminating in the complete restoration of all creation under Christ’s rule.

X. Assurance of Salvation and Hope

While Satan’s attacks may be unsettling, Scripture assures believers that God preserves His own. Romans 8:38–39 declares that neither angels nor demons can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus’ resurrection is the bedrock of this hope, attested by historical evidence and eyewitness testimony (Luke 24; 1 Corinthians 15). Because Christ is raised, believers trust that evil, though temporarily permitted, will not triumph.

XI. Conclusion

God’s permission of Satan’s attacks aligns fully with His sovereign plan, refining believers to demonstrate true faith, compelling deeper dependence on divine power, and highlighting the ultimate victory accomplished in Christ. These attacks reveal the reality of spiritual warfare, the necessity of prayerful vigilance, and the preciousness of a faith proven genuine. As Scripture assures, God has set a definitive end to satanic activity, ensuring that all suffering and opposition will cease under His everlasting reign (Revelation 21:4). Such hope encourages perseverance and trust in the One who works all things for good (Romans 8:28).