The order of components in a series circuit does not matter [1]. Consider a hydraulic analogy: a wire is like a hose, a diode is like a check valve, and a resistor is like a pinch in the hose that restricts flow. You want to limit the current (water) that can flow in the hose. Does it matter where you pinch it?
[1] at least, not until the speed of light is slow relative to the operation of the circuit. See How does the current know how much to flow, before having seen the resistor?
