A satanic test of your disciple is a rite of passage for him into kingdom ministry. Not only should you not be surprised by this rigorous test, but you should expect it and prepare your disciple for it. Jesus was tested by Satan prior to his ministry and Peter was sifted by Satan ahead of him being used powerfully on the day of Pentecost.
Jesus passed all his tests, Peter did not, and yet even Peter’s failure was turned into success by the grace of God. Paul tells us that a messenger of Satan had tormented him but his anguish was what allowed Christ’s power to rest on him. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
A couple of observations concerning satanic testing:
- The test is conducted in solitude. Your disciple must go through the test alone. Circumstances will be set so that he will be isolated during the test. (Do not try and rescue your disciple from the testing or the isolation. Not only is this not possible, but it is a necessary part of the rite of passage.)
- Your disciple will have a deep emotional response to the test. He will be emotionally and physically drained. “And he (Peter) went outside and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75)
- Your responsibility is to frame for your disciple the satanic testing in the context of a rite of passage and then to point him to his kingdom ministry as Jesus did with Peter. (John 21:15-19)