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| This messy Photoshop merges tornado damage and roses. We waited a year to see the Joplin tornado's wreckage. |
This is one of Luther's greatest statements, but it took me a while to understand and appreciate it. People are used to talking about major problems - financial, health, loss from death, shunning - and resolutions. Things happen that leave wounds and scars, physical and emotional.
What if there is no solution in sight? That is when people fall into despair and lose hope.
Luther correctly points out that God's answer may be entirely different. He may let the affliction remain but move our hearts away from it. The trouble remains but it no longer dominates our thoughts and emotions.
After a long period of time, the negative is converted into a positive, which only God can do. The worst part of life can become the best in our memories, and it can train us to use those evil days to glorify God in helping others.
Afflictions also open our eyes to the meaning of the Scriptures. We can read many passages without benefit until we are facing or remembering calamities.
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| Synod Presidents, District Presidents, Circuit Pastors - they all use the correct Scriptures when ordaining or installing pastors. But if those pastors actually follow what the Word says, what the Book of Concord teaches, those same leaders will move heaven and earth to to remove them by craft and force. |
