Question

In regard to Luke 22:31, how might that apply to some of the experiences that Job went through?

Answer

Luke 22:31, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen the brethren." 

I think that the only thing that can ever happen to a believer is what God allows to happen.  But in the case of Job I think it was distinct.  I think Job was assaulted by Satan as a direct expression of the will of God.  I think that Peter was assaulted by Satan because he was disobedient--and there is a difference. 

I believe that it is possible that God may allow Satan to do certain things to an individual who is godly, who is virtuous, who is righteous, to refine that individual to accomplish His own ends--that's Job.  But I think that God also is going to allow a believer, as it were, to make his own bed and then to have to lie in it--which was Peter's situation.  I think, obviously, what was going to happen to Peter was directly related to his denial of Christ, whereas, Job never denied God and was therefore attacked by Satan, but rather God set out for His own purposes to allow that to happen, and the goal was reached: Job said in chapter 42, verse 6, "I have heard of You in the hearing of the ear: but now my eye sees You, and I repent in dust and ashes."  In other words, the purpose of Job going through that, was not only to prove his faithfulness, but to give him a vision of God that was greater than he had ever had before.  In the case of Peter it had to do with his sin.