There's two ways to look at this Q imo. First, can Satan actually cause illness? I would say that, citing the example of Job, Satan can directly introduce sickness into the lives of people. However, also citing Job, it seems God would have to let him to do it. However, I would also say that Satan can indirectly cause illness in a person's life by leading them into sin, which exposes a person to illnesses linked to behavior (think STDs, or lung cancer, etc.). Second, can Satan use illnesses which stem from natural causes (those he didn't have a hand in causing) to get in our way to God? I'd say yes again, as he is good at planting suggestions in our minds, which, if we aren't aware of the source, could draw our hearts away from God.

I must also add, with all this talk of Satan being responsible for stuff, he isn't omniscient. So it isn't Satan personally who does all this stuff, but his demon army, the multitude of evil spirits aligned with him. Very well organized, very powerful. We should not take them lightly!

What Mike said.  :-)

Who cares what Satan is doing and why he's doing it...what is God doing through, or in spite of, what Satan is doing; that is what counts.  I have noticed over the years that a Christian can develop great faith in Satan if they define everything in their circumstances in terms of what he is doing; I have also noticed that a Christian can develop great faith in God when they learn to look through Satan to see what God is doing.

Folks we really do need to pay attention to what the scriptures actually say!

Colossians 1:11-14 (ESV)
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Greek word interpreted "domain" also means "authority."  Additionally, God has given Christ as head of all principalities and powers to the assembly which is HIS BODY.

That being said, it is a shame that we believe that Satan has authority over us.  If he is doing something it is because he has permission and we need to "submit to God and [THEN] resist the Devil!"  Look to see what good God is working from the evil circumstance...or you will end up with a mouth full of water [Peter walking on water and looking at the wind and waves]!

Blessings!
Craig

Dear Donna, and how are "we" supposed to do that?  THE most effective tactic that Satan has to is direct our attention to our self and then suggest (or demand) that we do something about it--of course the thoughts are always in the first person, as if they are ours.

I believe we keep up our guard by putting on the full armor of God; which immediately sets our minds on the things that are above where Christ is seated!  And were is Satan?  Above or down here?  So if all the scriptures direct us to set our minds on the things that are above, the things that are eternal...THAT is how we keep our guard up!  We are total dependent upon the Spirit of God to "lead" us into "all" the truth...even the truth about our selves, where we may need correction or encouragement.  :-)

Dear sister...do not be tricked into trying to save yourself from yourself or from Satan.  Pay attention to what the scriptures are actually saying...not what the rest of us are saying they say.  ;-)  Your relationship is with God in Christ first.  If he is actually speaking to you through one of us then listen.  Look where you put your "but" Donna.  :-)  "I understand....BUT".  That means that you're, at the very least, tempted to throw away everything that's before the BUT.

Here's a BUT in the right place.  "I'm really afraid that Satan is going to eat my lunch and pop the bag, BUT Father your word tells me that I am not under his authority but yours.  Therefore I submit to you and your word and depend upon your Spirit to keep me from deception."

Look up Donna! Greater is He that is in you that he that is in the world!

Love you sister; your brother in Him,
Craig