Satan’s deceptive powers include signs and wonders. What kind of power does he have? What can he do? We will first consider the story of Job.
Job 1:8-12 The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil." Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing? "Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. "But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him." So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.
The story starts in Heaven, as God brings attention to His servant Job. You should take note that Satan remains under the sovereign control of God, even as he plans evil toward a servant of God.
Job 1:13-22 Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was still speaking, another also came 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 still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
In rapid fire succession, Job hears news that goes from bad to worse. All of these messengers arrived at about the same time. Job did not have time to take a breath or even let it all sink in before another messenger started telling his sad story. Satan had the power and approval of God to bring his servants, the Sabeans and Chaldeans, to attack Job. Satan also caused fire to come down from heaven and for a mighty wind to cause the death of all of his children.
It would be hard to discern just who created all of this mayhem. It is clear that Satan can bring many of the natural forces to bear in his desire to destroy God’s servants and direct worship toward himself.
We will look at another example of Satan’s power next time.