Why do bad things happen in waves? I mean, I know sometimes bad things happen for a reason, but why all bunched up, one after the other?
Just this past Saturday morning, for example, I needed to drive my son to his part-time job. We woke up early, ate, and we were out the door right on schedule. I clicked the remote several times and there was no response from the car. I even tried to use the physical key to get in, but the car would not cooperate. It was dead.
My son ended up taking the bus, while I ended up on the phone with the rental car company trying to sort out the roadside assistance call. I am thankful for the insurance company paying for all the expenses until we received our car back from the repair shop for the accident my wife had had two weeks ago. Still, I was left scratching my head trying to make sense of it all.
Sometimes God allows things to happen in order to test our faith.
I cannot help but think of Hebrews 11. This chapter of the bible is often referred to as the faith chapter, and the one scripture that pops into my mind, when I think of all that has happened these past few weeks, is the one scripture that demonstrates absolute faith in God:
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Heb. 11:17-19 ESV).
I find it inspiring that even though my family may feel the burden of multiple trials, I have yet to hear God’s voice asking me to sacrifice my son as a means to test my faith. In other words, I would gladly suffer these minor setbacks to relieve myself of the responsibility of deciding between life and death.
I know, it sounds extreme. But God is an overwhelming God. He strengthens me when I am weak. He picks me up when I have fallen. And, most of all, he shows mercy to me when I cry out to him in repentance.
Oh, how I wish I could come into his full glory now.
What a wonderful God I serve.
Looking to God 
Thank you so much for your transparency! This was a wonderful read, and it encouraged me to get back up! The trials of life can really break your spirit, but God is good. God bless you & your family. May God continue to give you strength for the journey!
I just closed the door on yet another repairman. We have spent/will spend close to $3500 in under 3 weeks. Car, plumbing, heater, car again…. I needed a quiet breath and found this. Thanks for the reminder to ask God: “What are you teaching me in this season?”
This was a good post. Your Wife will be in my prayers
Keep your head up
God will definitely keep his promises. I know I ask for more in life sometimes probably like many and when the hard times show up I wonder why. But your right God is just seeing how ready we are for more in life. He’s refining us through the fire.
Nice BLOG. In my experiences with the Trinity, nothing He does in my life is bad…sure, at the time, I wish I had gotten that job, that chick, that whatever; but, I soon realize and thank Him that I didn’t get that job, that chick, that whatever; because, what I actually end up getting is always better than that of which I wanted.
/s/ Alfonso Faustino
Thanks for sharing Jack.
Whenever trials seem to pile up as you described, I try to remind myself to stop, breathe, and consider what God is trying to teach me. My kids have even heard me say this aloud many times–“Lord, what are you trying to teach me?” That seems to help put things into perspective. As you said, our trials are often minor compared with what others face.
This was a much needed reminder for me today. Thanks for blessing my spirit.
God is faithful. I’ve written on this a lot, and it was my thesis in Seminary. Hate to just leave a link, but maybe you’ll find it helpful: https://russelljfellows.com/apologetics/relationship-theodicy/?frame-nonce=b6897e8d66
Great reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Be blessed. God is with you.