Can Satan control the weather?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

When people experience tragedy due to weather, such as during a hurricane, flood, or tornado, they often wonder if Satan was involved. Satan can influence the weather, but only within the limits God allows. In Job 1–2, God permitted Satan to use weather to test Job, demonstrating that Satan’s actions are always under God’s control. Ultimately, God remains sovereign over all creation, including the weather, and uses every circumstance for His purpose and the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Therefore, while Satan may sometimes impact the weather, he does not have unrestricted control over it.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Job 1–2 stands as a clear example of God allowing Satan to attack people using weather. As part of Satan's temptation of Job, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you" (Job 1:16). Some kind of lightning strike caused a fire that killed Job's sheep and workers. After this, "a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you" (Job 1:19). Satan used a windstorm or tornado to bring death. However, it was only as part of God's overall purpose and plan. God ultimately used this tragedy to prove Job's faithfulness and in the end, blessed him with twice as much as he had in the beginning (Job 42:10).
• Jonah is also an example of weather being involved in a time of difficulty or testing. God called Jonah to preach in Nineveh, but instead, he fled in the opposite direction. God sent a storm (Jonah 1:4) to get Jonah’s attention. God used the storm to ultimately bring Jonah to the place where He had called him. The result was the repentance of an entire city and its escape from God's judgment. Satan was not involved in the change of weather, but to Jonah at the time, it likely felt like it.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• God controls all things yet allows Satan to live as the "ruler of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30). This means there may be times God allows Satan to bring attacks on people that involve weather.
• The Bible encourages us to know, "that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). God uses all things for His perfect plan. Satan has no control over the weather that God has not already planned for His ultimate good.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Regardless of if the weather is influenced in some way by Satan or directly by God, God is ultimately in control. We need not fear that Satan will change the weather to harm us. Instead, we trust in the Lord, pray to Him regarding our needs, and realize He oversees our steps. He knows the number of hairs on our head and cares for every detail of our lives (Matthew 10:30). Nothing happens that He does not notice or understand. We can trust Him with the weather, as well as with our lives.

UNDERSTAND

• If Satan can influence the weather, it is only with God’s permission.
• Satan uses the weather for destruction, while God uses all things, including the weather, for good.
• We should trust God’s control over the weather and not fear Satan’s limited influence.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that God is ultimately in control of the weather affect the way you respond to natural disasters or difficult weather events?
• How can you grow in trusting God's sovereignty when facing circumstances that feel chaotic or destructive?
• How can reflecting on God's purpose and control during trials help you find peace, even when the cause of those trials seems uncertain?

ENGAGE

• The Bible teaches that God has sovereign control over all creation, including the weather, as seen when He commands the wind and waves (Psalm 135:7; Mark 4:39), and even allows Satan limited influence under His permission (Job 1:12, 19). While natural processes and scientific explanations describe how weather occurs, these are ultimately governed by God's design and purpose, ensuring that every event serves His greater plan (Colossians 1:16–17).
• What does the story of Job teach us about the balance between God allowing difficult circumstances and His ultimate plan for good?
• How might conversations with those who believe in dualistic forces (good vs. evil) be impacted by the biblical perspective that God alone has ultimate control?