A Bundle of Myrrh

Sometimes God sends Ebenezers (little stones of help) to me in quote form. This from Luther was perfect for these recent days. Sorry, it’s long, but it’s worth it.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

“When God wants to strengthen our faith he first weakens it by feigning to break faith with us. God thrusts us into many tribulations and makes us so weary that we are driven to despair, and yet God gives us strength to be still and persevere.

Such quietness is endurance, and endurance produces character so that when God returns to us and lets his sun rise and shine again, and when the storm is over, we open our eyes in amazement and say, “The Lord be praised that I have been delivered from evil. God dwells here. I did not think that all would end so well.”

Within a day or two, within a week or a year, or even within the next hour, sin brings another cross to us: the loss of honor or possessions, bodily injury, or some mishap that brings such trouble. then it all begins again and the storm breaks out once more.

But now we glory in our afflictions because we remember that on the former occasion God was gracious to us, and we know that it is God’s good will to chastise us that we may have reason to run to him and to cry, “He who has helped me so often will help me now.” That very longing in your heart (which makes you cry, “Oh that I were free! Oh, that God would come! Oh, that I might receive help!”) is hope, which does not put to shame, for God must help such a person.

In this way God hides life under death, heaven under hell, wisdom under folly, and grace under sin.”

Martin Luther