“When I was going upstairs this evening, a strange dislike for everything having to do with God suddenly came over me. At that, I heard Satan who said to me, “Think no more about this work. God is not as merciful as you say He is. Do not pray for sinners, because they will be damned all the same, and by this work of mercy you expose your own self to damnation. Talk no more about this mercy of God with your confessor and especially not with Father Sopocko and Father Andrasz.” At this point, the voice took the appearance of my Guardian Angel, and at that moment I replied, “I know who you are: the father of lies [cf. Jn. 8:44].” I made the sign of the cross, and the angel vanished with great racket and fury.” Divine Mercy in My Soul # 1405
The evil one hates you with a profound hate. And the closer you draw to God, fulfilling His Divine Will, the more he will seek to attack you.
In the Book of Job, we see Satan throw a challenge down before God. God was pleased with Job, and Satan was clearly not impressed. In fact, Satan said the only reason Job feared God is so he could be wealthy, healthy, and prosperous.
Was Satan right? Will Job show he values what he has been given more than God Himself?
Job responded with reverence to God in the face of losing all he had, including his children. Satan was proved wrong. Again, God lifted up Job before Satan, and Satan, again, challenged the value of God in the heart of Job. He said Job only worshipped God because he had his health. So, God allowed Satan to attack Job physically.
And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life. So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” Job 2:6-7
“But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” Job 2:5
But Job knew God. Sitting in a pile of ashes, covered in boils, Job made the statement that still echo to this day:
“Though he slay me, I will hope in him.”Job 13:15
Can you envision the scene in Heaven as God, Satan, and millions of angels awaited Job’s response? (God of course knew) Can you imagine the moment Satan realized that he was wrong, and that God’s place in the heart of Job was beyond all the treasures on earth and even Job’s own well-being?
Satan hates you. But, do not fear the bark of this little dog. The evil one attempts to deceive you by presenting himself as an angel of light. He strives to influence, speaking lies that have a faint resemblance to the truth. He seeks to manipulate the truth and lead you into confusion, tempting you to doubt the truths that God has spoken and to doubt the holy Will of God. He may subtly remind you of your past sins and weaknesses while trying to mask the infinite Mercy of God which eliminates those sins and manifests its power through your weakness. He may tempt you to discouragement and despair, removing from your heart the hope you have been given in Christ Jesus. He may tempt you to anger and resentment leading you to believe that you are justified in holding on to these feelings. He may even go to God, seeking direct attack upon you.
Whatever the case may be, the evil one is a slippery liar and you must overcome his deceit by turning constantly to the truth of the Mercy of God.
Reply in strength and trust as St. Faustina did, “”I know who you are: the father of lies.” I made the sign of the cross, and the angel vanished with great racket and fury.”
Answer as Job, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” Job 42:2-3,5