Luther's Anfechtung and Renewal - Lutheran (Isaiah 40:31)
Martin Luther experienced what he called Anfechtung—spiritual attacks of doubt, depression, and despair. Even after his breakthrough on grace, dark periods returned. How did he endure? Not by positive thinking but by waiting on God's Word: singing hymns, reciting Scripture, receiving communion. "Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength"—the waiting is active, sacramental, word-saturated. Luther didn't fight his battles alone; he returned again and again to the means of grace. Renewal came through God's gifts, not his efforts.
Topics & Themes
Scripture References
Audience
adultsPowered by ChurchWiseAI
This illustration is a preview of what our AI-powered ministry platform can do. ChurchWiseAI offers a full suite of tools built for pastors and church leaders.
Sermon Companion
Build entire sermons with AI — outlines, illustrations, application points, and slide decks tailored to your tradition.
Ministry Chatbot
An AI assistant trained on theology, counseling frameworks, and church administration to help with any ministry question.
Bible Study Builder
Generate discussion guides, devotionals, and small group materials from any passage — in minutes, not hours.
Try any app free for 7 days — no credit card required.
Get Started