Luther was about to appear to answer for his faith before a most imposing assembly, and he looked to God in faith for strength. For a little time his courage and faith were tested. Perils in every form were presented before him. He became sad. Clouds gathered around him and hid from him the face of God. He longed to go forth with a confident assurance that God was with him. He could not be satisfied unless he was shut in with God. With broken cries he sent up his agonizing prayer to Heaven. His spirit at times seemed to faint, as his enemies, in his imagination, multiplied before him. He trembled at his danger. I saw that God in His wise providence prepared him in this way that he might not forget in whom to trust, and that he should not rush on presumptuously into danger. As His own instrument, God was fitting him for the great work before him. 1T 374.1 Luther's prayer was heard. His courage and faith returned as he met his enemies. Meek as a lamb he stood, surrounded by the great men…
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?"
Both passages describe a feeling of abandonment by God during a time of trial. Luther's experience mirrors the Psalmist's cry of despair, though not a direct quote.
"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Both passages describe a moment of intense prayer and struggle before a significant event. Luther's experience of doubt and seeking God's strength mirrors Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, where he asked for the cup to pass but ultimately submitted to God's will.
"Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."
Both passages describe God's presence and strengthening during a time of trial. Paul's experience is echoed in the description of Luther's.