A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing. (Martin Luther, 15th-16th century German Reformation leader)
People turn to religion for a variety of reasons. For some it’s to fill a sense of emptiness. Others are looking for help, like hanging on to a rabbit’s foot for good luck. Martin Luther, who held onto his faith at great personal cost, understood that genuine faith in God opens a relationship with Him that may involve difficulties designed to produce spiritual growth.
We are . . . heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. . . I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:17-18),