Ripe For Disaster - Katharina Von Bora

1499–1552

If ever a marriage seemed ripe for disaster, it was the Luthers’. Martin and Katie were both quick witted, strong willed, hot tempered, and sharp tongued. They seemed to disagree more than they agreed. The first argument of their married life occurred over a wedding gift. Martin wanted to return the money sent by an archrival. His ever-practical bride wanted to use it to pay down his debts.

Martin often wrote about the patience required in a marriage, indicating that he was often irked at his wife, and yet he realized that Katie had to be patient with him, too. For all of their squabbles, it seems that they knew how much they needed each other. He was a genius and a charismatic leader, but a bull in a china shop, making bold statements without worrying about the fallout. She was a manager, full of practical wisdom, welcoming visitors and refugees into their home, and picking up the pieces behind her reckless husband. She possessed a sense of responsibility that he needed more of. He owned a faith that could help her navigate through fretful times.

“We thank you heartily for being so worried that you can’t sleep,” Martin wrote to her while on his travels, “for since you started worrying about us, a fire broke out near my door, and yesterday, no doubt due to your worry, a big stone . . . would have fallen and crushed us like a mouse in a trap. If you don’t stop worrying, I’m afraid the earth will swallow us. . . . Pray and let God worry. ‘Cast your burden on the Lord.’”

Like the biblical Martha, Katie Luther was worried and upset over many details, and she needed Martin’s chiding. But surely he also needed regular challenges from her to look out for “the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4, NIV).

So how do you match up in your closest relationships? Are you cut from the same cloth, or are you totally different? Whatever the case, see how God can use the unique personalities of you and those around you for his glory.

My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:41-42