Times Of Trouble

That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:7

Charles V was a teenager when he became the most powerful man in Europe, and almost immediately he faced a vexing problem. What should be done with Martin Luther? He summoned Luther to the city of Worms in 1521 for a hearing on his radical teaching. Luther traveled the three hundred miles to Worms expecting to be condemned there and perhaps executed. The hearing was tense and emotional, but Luther’s ringing affirmation spoken that day is famous: “Here I stand,” he said, “I can do no other. God help me! Amen!” Even though Charles V was a devout Catholic, he allowed Luther to leave unharmed.

In times of stress and strain, we have to take our stand on the truths of God’s Word. Troubling times reveal where we are placing our allegiance. The psalmist says, “The LORD also will be a refuge . . . in times of trouble. . . . For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion. . . . He is [my] strength in the time of trouble (Psalm 9:9; 27:5; 37:39).

In times of trouble, we can take our stand in Him—He never fails us.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing!

MARTIN LUTHER