11 June 2009

Old Lutheran Quote of the Day

You exalt us when You humble us.
You justify us when You show us to be sinners.
You lead us to heaven when You cast us into hell.
You give us victory when You allow us to be defeated.
You bestow life on us when You give us over to death.
You comfort us when You allow us to grieve.
You make us joyful when You allow us to weep and lament.
You make us strong when we suffer.
You make us wise when You make us fools.
You make us rich when You make us poor.
You make us masters when You allow us to serve.

Innumerable similar wonders are all contained in this one verse and for all of which Christians give thanks in these few words:

"I give thanks to You, for You have disciplined me severely and have become my salvation."

-- Blessed Martin Luther, Sermons for the Year 1532, Day by Day, p. 349

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