Martin Luther's Bumpy Ride by Chris White

Martin and Katherine Luther

  ^“.. in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thess. 5:18

Martin Luther was going home to die.  In the previous 36 hours he had been given every possible medical treatment available to try and dislodge a kidney stone that was completely blocking the flow of all urine.  His body racked with fever and his abdomen in excruciating pain, Luther’s last request was to be loaded into a wagon and taken back to Wittenburg so that he could at least have the comfort of dying in his own bed.  On the way home the wagon road was extremely bumpy and about half-way home one of the jolts dislodged Luther’s kidney stone much to his surprise and great relief.  Martin Luther quickly recovered and went on to live and serve the Lord for another 10 years.  When I think of this story it makes me realize that some of life’s “bumps in the road” are for our own good and are actually a blessing from God.  We tend to think God’s blessing only applies when things are going exceptionally well for us but that is a fallacy on our part.  When trouble strikes we are not required to be down-hearted.  In fact, it may be the beginning of something wonderful in our lives which is why the wise Christian gives thanks in all circumstances.