Job 1:13-19 (ESV)

Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

Since we know that Satan is doing all this, what does “the fire of God” mean? It appears to be a colloquialism for lightning.

So, Satan has the power to make lightning. He has power over the wind too.

While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

We underestimate him. Satan is a much more fearsome enemy than we’d like to believe.

Insurance policies have clauses in them about “acts of God.” It’s nice to see the Lord recognized in legal documents, but they’ve actually got it wrong. The things they call acts of God can be acts of Satan (or even lesser demons).

This is chilling. We’re pawns in a war. Prayer is the only weapon with any power over the Devil. No house is strong enough to withstand his attack. No location is beyond his reach. No insurance policy can protect you against the loss.

But the Lord answers prayer. We need eyes to see the spiritual warfare behind the events in our lives. Never forget to pray, especially before disaster strikes.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Waiting until you’re under attack, and then praying for deliverance, is a bit late.

To download a free study guide containing the first six Job devotionals, plus some discussion questions, go here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/9825-job-satan-takes-a-hike