Another Bad Question

The first unhealthy question we ask ourselves during difficult times in life is "Why?"  

The second unhealthy question people often ask is "Who sent this to me - God or Satan?"

This is another one of those questions that usually has no answer; you probably will not know in this life.

Sometimes we get really bogged down in who is producing the difficulties. Is this a test from Satan? Is this a test from God? The Bible speaks to both of those ideas. God’s word definitely teaches us that Satan is allowed to test us; he is allowed to bring difficult things into our lives.

In John 10:10 is says Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy.

Or in Revelation 12:10 is says that Satan is the accuser of the brethren.

He tries to sift us as wheat says Luke 22:31.  

I Peter 5:8 says he walks among believers as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Or what about Job 1:6 when Satan replies to God's question of "Where have come from?"  Satan says, "from roaming thru the earth and going back and forth in it”.  If that statement doesn’t shake you in boots, I don’t know what will.

But, I think the Bible also speaks to the idea that God tests us, Sometimes God sends or allows difficulties to come our way.

Hebrews 12:5 says that "the Lord disciplines those He loves." It also tells us to" endure the hardship as discipline for God is treating us as sons."

Or what about James 1:3 which tells us" to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith develops perseverance? It continues to say that perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything."

In Isaiah 38:17 Hezekiah, the King states that “surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish."

"For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver", says Psalm 66:10

Does Satan test us? Yes. Does God test us? Yes.

We can’t get bogged down in the question of "Who?" because ultimately it really doesn’t make any difference who is sending it, our reaction should be the same - love God, love His people, pray, be students of His word, seek His Kingdom here on earth and all the other things God calls His people to do and be.  

When life has knocked you to your knees.  Don't get stuck spinning your wheels on questions you can't answer.  Instead ask these things: What do you want me to do now, God? Who do you want me to bless? What do you want me to learn? How can I grow?

Those are the better questions. Those are the ones that will help us get thru our Egypts, like the children of Israel.