Luther on Hard Times

Genesis 2612-13

Isaac planted crops in that land. And that same year he harvested a hundred times as much as he had planted because the Lord had blessed him. He continued to be a success.

Martin Luther wrote, "we should learn from Isaac's example to be firm in our faith so that we never doubt or waver when hardships come our way. After Isaac had sinned, God lovingly forgave and blessed him . We learn from this that God doesn't hold a grudge, and if we rely upon his promises, we can remain faithful when things go wrong. We can say, 'The Lord who asked me to always believe in him will always keep his promises!'. The psalmist reminds us of this; "Oh, wait for the Lord. Stay strong, let your heart be filled with courage!" (Psalm 27:14 )Elsewhere the psalmist writes, "Be strong, all who wait with hope for the Lord and let your heart be troubled!" (Psalm 31:24.) So believers can remain confident even in the worst of times because God has promised to take care of them. 1st Peter writes; "Turn all your anxieties over to God, because he cares for you!"

Now I know that there are many of you who feel that you're being tested right now. Between the bad news we read in the paper or see on the television screen, the bad news we hear from friends and family , the bad news at the gas pump or at the grocery store, we all feel like we, or at least our faith, is under attack! But we were made to be tested! Remember that Jesus also was tested out in the wilderness. He was tested by Satan for 40 days. I wouldn;t last 40 seconds! But tests serve a purpose. They show us what we know, but also demonstrate what we need to know. Without tests, faith might grow cold and weak. It could even eventually disappear.

But when tested by hardships, people of Faith discover what Faith is. They are strengthened in their knowledge of Christ: his presence and promises. When we are able to take this kind of perspective, we can see hardships as if it were just a fog we have to pass through, until the sun burns it off and we see our way clearly to the journey's end!