There are some things that are not explainable in the life of your disciple apart from a satanic influence. Not only can you become frustrated or confused with your disciple’s behavior if you do not consider the possibility of Satan’s involvement but imagine the disillusionment of the disciple who has never been taught about Satan’s activity in his life. Peter and Paul both warned the disciples not to be caught off guard by Satan. (1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:10-11)
There comes a time in a disciple’s life when Satan tests him to destroy his faith. For some the test was short but intense, as was Peter’s, for others it was over an extended period of time. Some were young, some older. In all cases, their faith was severely strained. It is a frightening experience for him, his family, his friends, and you (!), wondering if he is going to pull through.
One clue to satanic involvement is contradictory behavior. We have two examples of this paradox from the life of Peter. The first is in Matthew 16 where Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah because the Heavenly Father had revealed it to him, and then a short time later Satan speaks to Jesus through Peter trying to dissuade from his mission. (Matthew 16:15-23)
The second was on the night of Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter passionately declares a loyalty to Jesus to the death, but hours later he publically betrays Jesus. Both times Peter was unaware of Satan’s involvement in his thinking and actions, and in the second case he had even been specifically forewarned how Satan would test him.
A couple of closing thoughts:
- Pray for your disciple’s faith, as Jesus did for Peter. (Luke 22:32)
- Your disciple is probably unaware of Satan’s activity in his life.
- Ask yourself the question: “Could this present behavior and attitude in my disciple be due to satanic influence?”
- Frustration is an indicator of satanic involvement. Your disciple’s frustration with his own behavior, as well as your own frustration with your disciple, is a sign that Satan may be at work.