“Where did you come from”
And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” ~ Job 1:7
I love this question that God asked Satan when he showed up among those presenting themselves before the Lord. It’s almost as if God is saying, “What are you doing here?” or “You don’t belong here.” Satan was clearly out of place and God didn’t let it go unnoticed.
Then, almost immediately, God brings up Job. “Did you see my servant Job while you were out there roaming around? There is no one like him on earth. He is blameless and upright. He fears Me and turns away from evil.” It is obvious that God is well pleased with Job.
But Satan is quick to challenge Job’s integrity. He basically says, “Of course Job honors You, look at everything You’ve done for him!” Then Satan lists the blessings God has poured out on Job:
• A hedge of protection around Job and his household
• Favor on everything he owns
• Blessing on the work of his hands
• Abundance in the land
What Satan didn’t realize, though, is key: Job had always been within reach. God wasn’t giving Satan permission as much as He was setting limits. Satan already had access, but God placed a boundary, so he could not touch Job himself.
This is good news for us. Just like Job, we also have a hedge of protection through our covenant relationship with God. The enemy roams the earth, looking for someone unaware of who they are in Christ Jesus, someone whose door of faith might be cracked open just enough for him to squeeze through. But as believers, we have authority. Jesus said in John 10:10 that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but He came to give us abundant life. Satan is a defeated foe and he only has power where we allow him access.
So, how do we stay protected and walk confidently in God’s promises?
- Stay in the Word. God’s Word is your sword (Ephesians 6:17). Learn it, practice it and pray it. Use it when lies and attacks come.
- Guard your heart. Offense, bitterness, and fear are open doors to the enemy. Forgive quickly and walk in peace.
- Stay close to God. Job honored and feared God, that’s what made him unshakable. Daily fellowship with God strengthens your spiritual defenses.
- Recognize the enemy’s schemes. When problems shows up, ask God for discernment. Challenges are punishment, but they are spiritual tests meant to refine and strengthen your faith.
Today I want to encourage you that even when you’re under pressure, know that God is not punishing you, He’s preparing you. Satan wants to convince you that God has left you or is to blame. But don’t believe it. God is still on your side. His hedge still surrounds you. He sees your faith, and He’s pleased with you. When trials come, stand firm and keep your eyes on Jesus. Use the Word. Worship through the storm. You are not alone.
Today’s scripture reading: Job 1:6-12
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”
So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Journal Prompt:
- Has the enemy tried to come into your life through fear, offense, or discouragement?
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any open doors.
- Then write a prayer or declaration of faith using scripture to speak over your life, home, and family and secure your hedge of protection.
The Daily Dose 