Suffering

It is hopeful to say that our suffering is from God, for then we know to whom we must turn is good and omnipotent and will turn our tears into joy in heaven. This is the theology of the cross.

Martin Luther once wrote: “Without trials ... a person can know neither Scripture nor faith, nor can he fear and love God. If he has never suffered, he cannot understand what hope is.”

We ask, “How long will you defend the unjust, O God, and show favor to the wicked?” God points to the cross and says: “As long as I ...