“When we begin to believe, God doesn't abandon us but lays a holy cross upon our backs to strengthen our faith. The gospel is a powerful word, but it cannot do its work without trials. No one will discover its power unless they experience it. The gospel can show its power only where there is a cross and where there is suffering. Because it's a word of life, it must exercise all its power in death. If dying and death are absent, then it can do nothing. No one would discover that it's stronger than sin and death...That's why God imposes the cross on all believers. He wants us to experience and demonstrate God's power." Luther