"God humbles his people before he elevates them. He kills them in order to bring them back to life. He devastates them before honoring them. He knocks them down in order to pick them up. God’s methods show the highest artistry and wisdom. We cannot understand how events like these are a part of God’s plan until we see his plan completed. When these events are happening, they can’t be understood, except through faith alone.

In the same way, faith in the Son of God will comfort me when I leave this earth. And yet, I will be buried in the ground, eaten by worms, rot and decay (Job 17:14). I don’t see God’s plan for me when I look at death. Yet, God has promised that I will come back to life. Christ said, ‘You will live because I live’ (John 14:19). But how will I live? I will live in eternal life, in a body that is more beautiful and bright than the sun. I can’t see or feel any of this yet. But I believe it, and I can tolerate the short delay. Eternal life is already prepared. As Paul says, ‘The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day’ (2 Timothy 4:8)."

Taken from By Faith Alone, Martin Luther, (Iowa Falls: Iowa, World Bible Publishers, 1998), March 24.