Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.
Martin LutherRead
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; _x000D_ Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: _x000D_ For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; _x000D_ His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, _x000D_ On earth is not his equal.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the strength and protection that faith in God provides against adversity.
In this quote, Martin Luther likens God to a fortress that offers unwavering support in times of trouble, symbolizing the assurance that believers can find refuge and help during life's challenges. The quote highlights the perpetual struggle against evil forces, illustrating that while adversities may seem overwhelming, faith remains an indomitable strength.
In practice
In a sermon addressing overcoming life's challenges, this quote can inspire the congregation.
Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance. It is laying hold of His willingness.
Now if I believe in God's Son and remember that He became man, all creatures will appear a hundred times more beautiful to me than before. Then I will properly appreciate the sun, the moon, the stars, trees, apples, as I reflect that he is Lord over all things. ...God writes the Gospel, not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.
It is the part of a Christian to take care of his own body for the very purpose that, by its soundness and wellbeing, he may be enabled to labour, and to acquire and preserve property, for the aid of those who are in want, that thus the stronger member may serve the weaker member, and we may be children of God, and busy for one another, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfiling the law of Christ.
Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God.
We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands.
In a mouse we admire God's creation and craft work. The same may be said about flies.
I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world.
I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools.
God actually delights in exalting our inability. He intentionally puts his people in situations where they come face to face with their need for him.
I gave up all for Christ, and what have I found? Everything in Christ.
Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.
One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don't ever get up in the morning and wonder if what I do matters. I live every day to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, I'm going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.
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