How far will God allow Satan to tempt and try us as we seek to live the Christian life? The Bible does teach that Satan is active in his efforts to destroy our souls. Paul said he sought to come to the church at Thessalonica "once and again; but Satan hindered us." (2 Thess. 2:18). He also wrote about the "wiles of the devil" and said that, if we are not careful, Satan will get an advantage of us, "for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11). Peter wrote, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 2 Peter 5:8.

All of our temptations and trials are common to man. God will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear and will, with the temptation, make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. James wrote that we are to count it all joy when we fall into various trials and temptations. Why? He said the trying of our faith works patience. James 1:1-4.

We do know this: greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world! 1 John 4:4. Jesus proved that the Word of God is greater than the power of Satan. Matthew 4:1-11. Let us, too, resist the devil, and he will flee from us. James 4:7. In the midst of our troubles and trials, let us, with the apostle Paul, thank God and take courage. Acts 28:15.

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