... the great lesson that comes with faith, not to be overwhelmed when things go evilly, especially when we must die, but to remember that in the Lord Christ we have a helper whose hand is almighty. Of him we must not despair; of ourselves and of other people we may indeed despair, in fact we must; none of these can put a stop to death, for it is too mighty for them. But we can be bold in God and his Son, Jesus Christ. For he can do what we cannot; what we don't possess, he does. If we cannot help ourselves, he is able, and he does so gladly and willingly, as we see here. Such a heart that persists in truth on the Lord Christ serves God truly, even as the Lord desires. Those who despair and doubt are God's enemies and really do not esteem him to be God; otherwise, they would allow themselves to be comforted.
Martin Luther, 1532
