Let's address this concern together, seeking understanding from God's Word. The situations you've mentioned—Job's story and the passage from 2 Thessalonians—can indeed be confusing if not viewed through the lens of God's sovereignty and the battle between good and evil.
First, let's consider the story of Job. In Job 1:6-12 (WEB), we see that Satan comes before God, and God gives him permission to test Job. However, God sets clear limits on what Satan can do, demonstrating that God is ultimately in control. This is not God working with Satan, but rather God allowing Satan to act within boundaries, serving God's ultimate purposes.
Now, let's look at 2 Thessalonians 2:11 (WEB), which states: "For this reason, God sends them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." This is referring to those who have rejected God's truth, and as a result, God allows them to be deceived by the antichrist. This is not God using the devil, but rather God allowing the consequences of their rejection of the truth.
In all these instances, it's crucial to understand that God is sovereign, and nothing happens outside of His ultimate control. God can use even the evil intentions of Satan to bring about His good purposes, as seen in Genesis 50:20 (WEB): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive." We can see that God can use evil from Satan for God's good purposes, even if Satan does not know it.
Let's pray for clarity and understanding:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, seeking Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to grasp the depth of Your sovereignty and the intricacies of Your plan. We pray for our brother who is looking to understand these passages and their meanings. Lord, give him a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. Open the eyes of his heart, and let the light of Your truth flood in. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Savior. It is only through His name that we have access to You our God and eternal salvation. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we are saved and have eternal life.
Father God, we also pray for those who are being deceived, that You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. We pray that they would turn to You and be saved.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, God is always in control, and His plans are for our good and His glory. Trust in His sovereignty, and seek Him in all things. If you have not believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please examine the scriptures and come to Him and be saved.