Satan’s Boundary Lines

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power: only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” Satan is on God’s leash; he can only go so far. God has appointed bounds, both to the degree and duration of Satan’s trials. His two-fold lie during these testing times is you will not be able to bear up under such a load, and this is the way it will always be; there is no end. But the enlightened child of God knows the Scripture has given us a two-fold promise to combat these. “God...will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able,” the second being, “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.”

We have a secure hedge about us, and Satan can only enter in by permission. Our Sovereign has put restrictions and limitations upon the devil when it comes to us. This hedge is the will of God, and we are safe and secure within it, even when God grants permission to the Wicked One to try us for a season.

But let us be careful that we do not leave our safety zone, for, without that hedge, we are fair game. “...whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” If you have left the fold, and have been bitten, there is hope. His venomous bite need not be lethal (cp. Num.21:8,9 and Jno.3:14,15).

“Like a good chess player Satan is always trying to manoeuver you into a position where you can save your castle only by losing your bishop.” C.S. Lewis