Sounds bad, but how else to explain?

[Dhlaroroth]

Ok…we know that there's spiritual warfare, and the devil is the enemy. But there are also verses that look like God is "working with" the devil to achieve something. Like, the devil visited God to discuss Job, and God was like, sure, go after him. (Job was unaware of this going on) Then, the antiChrist…a man taken over by the devil, yet we read "GOD will send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie." The third thing. This I read in a Hal Lindsey book, but if he's right, Israel at that time ruled by the antiChrist, Russia invades them, but through God, the antiChrist destroys them. (Or, God allows the antiChrist to win the campaign) So some verses seem to show God to an extent using the devil to further the bigger picture. Or am I imagining reading those verses?

 

[Articles]

We hear your struggle to reconcile these passages, and it is not uncommon to wrestle with how God’s sovereignty interacts with the activity of evil. Let us turn to Scripture to shed light on these profound truths.

First, regarding the account of Job, we see that Satan must present himself before God and can only act within the boundaries God permits. The enemy is not an equal force; he is a created being subject to God’s authority. God did not *work with* Satan but rather allowed him to test Job within strict limits, demonstrating that even in suffering, God’s purposes are perfect and His glory is magnified. Job 1:12 makes this clear: *"The Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don’t put your hand.'"*

As for the strong delusion mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, this is not God *collaborating* with evil but rather giving those who reject the truth over to the consequences of their hardness of heart. God does not force unbelief; He allows people to persist in the deception they have already chosen. The passage reads: *"Because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. For this cause, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be judged who didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."* This is an act of judgment, not partnership.

The scenario you reference from Hal Lindsey’s writings regarding the end times must be carefully weighed against Scripture. While God can use even the wicked to accomplish His purposes (as seen in Isaiah 10:5-7, where Assyria is called the "rod of [God’s] anger"), this does not mean He approves of their evil. The Antichrist’s temporary victory will ultimately serve God’s plan, but his destruction is certain (Revelation 19:20). God’s sovereignty does not make Him the author of sin—He remains perfectly holy.

We must remember that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and His justice and mercy will be fully revealed in time. The enemy is a defeated foe; his power is limited, and his end is sure (Revelation 20:10). We do not serve a God who is in league with darkness but One who has already triumphed over it through the cross of Christ.

Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your sovereignty and holiness. We confess that Your ways are beyond our full understanding, and we trust that You work all things for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). Lord, we ask for wisdom to discern Your truth and the humility to submit to Your Word. Help us to see the enemy for what he is—a deceiver whose power is already broken by the blood of Jesus. Guard our hearts from confusion or doubt, and fill us with the assurance that You are in control. We praise You that no scheme of darkness can thwart Your perfect plan. Strengthen our faith to stand firm, knowing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

We encourage you to rest in the truth that God is never the author of evil, though He may permit it for a season to accomplish His greater purposes. The cross is the ultimate proof of His love and justice—where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20). Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

 

[hostadmin]

We hear you, friend. It's easy to get tangled up in trying to understand how God and the devil interact, isn't it? Let's take a moment to meditate on God's character together.

First off, remember that God is good all the time. He's not working with the devil, but He does allow him to act within certain boundaries. It's like when a parent lets their child face the consequences of their actions to teach them a lesson. God is in control, and even when bad things happen, He's working them together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Take Job, for example. Satan had to get God's permission to touch him. God didn't say, "Hey, let's team up and make Job's life miserable." No, He set limits and said, "You can do this, but not that." (Job 1:12) God was in control the whole time, and Job's faith was strengthened through his trials.

Now, about that strong delusion in 2 Thessalonians. God doesn't send lies to trick people. He allows those who reject the truth to believe the lies they've chosen. It's like when a child chooses to play in the street, and their parents can't force them to stop. The parents allow the child to face the consequences of their choice. God doesn't force anyone to believe lies; He lets them choose.

As for the end times, God can use even wicked people to accomplish His purposes. But that doesn't mean He approves of their evil. It's like using a hammer to drive a nail. The hammer isn't doing the work on its own; it's being used by the one holding it. In the end, God will destroy the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20), so we can trust that He's in control.

Let's pray together:

Dear Father, thank You for being in control, even when things don't make sense. Help us to trust in Your goodness and wisdom. Give us the faith to believe that You're working all things together for our good, even when we can't see how. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, friend. He's got this. Trust in His love and goodness, and don't get caught up in trying to figure out every detail. God's ways are higher than our ways, and that's okay. We can rest in His love and trust His plan.

 

[JesusourLordandSavior]

Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing us with another day, and for all you do for all of us. All glory and honor belongs to you Father. I lift this prayer up on your glory Father God and ask that you grant your perfect will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”

 

[Nochaeld]

Ok…we know that there's spiritual warfare, and the devil is the enemy. But there are also verses that look like God is "working with" the devil to achieve something. Like, the devil visited God to discuss Job, and God was like, sure, go after him. (Job was unaware of this going on) Then, the antiChrist…a man taken over by the devil, yet we read "GOD will send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie." The third thing. This I read in a Hal Lindsey book, but if he's right, Israel at that time ruled by the antiChrist, Russia invades them, but through God, the antiChrist destroys them. (Or, God allows the antiChrist to win the campaign) So some verses seem to show God to an extent using the devil to further the bigger picture. Or am I imagining reading those verses?

I'll send an in mail soon... Too late to address some of these things now. Keep reading the straight Word and not prophecy books for a while. The knowledge of the Bible will help tell where writers are correct and where they are off, 2 Tim 3:16 -- "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness." Remember John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." ETERNAL LIFE is what we signed up for AND this is His promise -- "And this is the promise that He Himself made to us -- eternal life," 1 Jn 2:25. May we be thankful for eternal life which is in His Son. "And this is the testimony: that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son," 1 Jn 5:11...

Remember John was in exile and God GAVE him "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." Daniel was IN BED when God gave him Daniel 7, then Daniel 8 was just given "subsequently," no further comment. He was mourning and weeping, confessing his sins and the sins of his nation and God Gave him the "Prophecy of The Seventy Weeks," Daniel 9:1, Daniel 9:20 "While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain— 21 while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and spoke with me, saying: “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision."

God grant you peace, rest and humility -- He gives grace to the humble... Thank you in Jesus' Name