Luther (2003): Word-Created Courage - Lutheran (Deuteronomy 31:6)

In the historic city of Worms, Germany, the air was thick with tension as Martin Luther stood before a formidable assembly of church leaders and the Holy Roman Empire. Imagine the scene: the grand hall, filled with the murmurs of a crowd hungering for power and influence, the scent of sweat and fear hanging in the air, and the cold stone walls echoing the weight of tradition and authority. Here stood Luther, a mere monk, his heart pounding, yet resolute, as he faced the storm of opposition threatening to sweep away his beliefs.

As he spoke the words, "Here I stand; I can do no other," it wasn’t a mere declaration of defiance but a profound affirmation of his faith in the power of the Word. You can almost see him clutching his Bible tightly, feeling its worn pages beneath his fingertips—a lifeline in a world of uncertainty. This wasn’t his courage; it was Word-created courage. He drew strength from the promise found in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God assures us, “He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Luther’s bravery sprang not from self-assertion, but from a deep-rooted trust in God’s unwavering presence. It was a gift—one that we too can receive. Just as he heard the promise and believed, we are invited to open our hearts to that same assurance. Courage is not something we muster up from within; rather, it flows from the wellspring of faith, nourished by God’s unwavering commitment to stand with us.

So, in our moments of fear and uncertainty, let’s remember Luther at Worms. Let us lean into the promise, trust in His presence, and find the courage to stand firm, knowing that we, too, are never alone.