Have you ever heard the phrase, “Trouble always comes in threes”?
According to evangelist Perry Stone, this isn’t just an old saying—it’s a prophetic principle rooted in Scripture. In a recent episode of Manna-Fest, Stone revealed how this triad of trouble is a strategy often used by the enemy to overwhelm and wear down believers.
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“Believe it or not,” Stone said, “there is a biblical pattern where the enemy doesn’t just come once—he comes in threes.” He pointed to the story of Job as one of the most well-known examples. In the middle of Job’s loss over his family, health and all he worked for, three friends came to accuse him of things that were not true. These attacks were not random; they were orchestrated by Satan in a calculated effort to destroy Job’s faith and testimony.
Stone emphasized that this “triple trouble” strategy is designed to target the three most vulnerable areas of a person’s life: relationships, resources and health. “”When the enemy hits you in those three areas — spirit, soul, and body — all at once, it can feel like your entire world is collapsing.” he said.
Another powerful example comes from the life of Jesus. “Jesus went through three temptations in the wilderness,” Stone shared. “Satan attacked Him in three areas: His hunger, His identity and His calling. He asked Jesus to turn stones into bread, jump from the temple and worship him for power.” Each temptation was strategically aimed at undermining Jesus’ purpose and authority. But Jesus resisted every one by declaring the Word of God.
The apostle Paul also encountered a triple threat. In 2 Corinthians 11:26, Paul mentions facing “perils of robbers, perils of my own countrymen and perils by the heathen.” According to Stone, “Even Paul faced threefold dangers coming from every direction.”
So why does this matter for believers today? Stone believes recognizing the enemy’s pattern is key to overcoming it. “When you understand that triple trouble isn’t just coincidence—it’s a demonic strategy—you can pray with focus and fight back spiritually,” he said. “The devil doesn’t want to just discourage you; he wants to disarm you completely.”
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Yet even in the face of triple adversity, there is hope. “God always has the final word,” Stone reminded viewers. “Job was restored in the end. Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness. Paul continued preaching the gospel despite his hardships. So while triple trouble may come, it doesn’t have to destroy you—it can actually make you stronger.”
This teaching is a powerful reminder that trials may come in waves, but God’s grace is deeper still. By recognizing the patterns of spiritual attack, staying rooted in Scripture and remaining steadfast in prayer, believers can stand firm even when the storm comes in threes.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
