Bible Teacher Reveals How Evil Can Strengthen Believers
John Piper, a well-known Bible teacher, believes that God allows Satan to play a role in strengthening and purifying believers during times of suffering, even though Satan’s intentions are evil. In a recent episode of “Ask Pastor John,” Piper discussed the Book of Job, specifically Job’s suffering and his wife’s reaction to it.
In the biblical account, Job faces intense suffering as a test of his faith, while his wife urges him to “curse God and die” in response to his misery (Job 2:9–10). Job, however, responds by saying, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Piper reflects on this story, stating that in both the Old and New Testaments, God often uses Satan as an instrument to serve His own purpose of purifying and strengthening His followers. Piper notes that this means God can turn Satan’s attempts to harm into opportunities for believers to grow in trust and holiness, which are qualities Satan despises.
Piper emphasizes that Satan’s role in suffering is not unique to Job’s story and that believers should not think they are exempt from similar experiences. When Satan is involved in our suffering, it does not negate the fact that there is a purposeful design behind the pain, orchestrated by a loving Father.
Addressing Job’s wife’s response, Piper suggests two important lessons: first, that sometimes our closest loved ones may struggle to support us during trials, and second, that suffering should not embitter us but rather lead us to respond with hope. Job’s reaction to his wife—expressing a hopeful trust in God despite her words—shows the power of faith to bring clarity to others, even those who may seem to stand in opposition. Piper concludes that God has the right to bring both blessings and hardship into our lives and that we are not entitled to anything from Him. Despite not always understanding God’s ways, believers can trust that there is a greater purpose behind the suffering. Piper also expressed hope that Job’s wife was momentarily weak in her opposition and would later come to understand the truth, as there is no direct condemnation of her in the text.