The Fifteenth Day in Lent- The Creed: The Third Article

I'm not entirely sure why, but it is Luther's explanation of the Third Article of the Creed that I remember most from my confirmation days, and later my time at Luther Seminary.  Martin Luther emphasizes that faith and a relationship with God is all God's work.  It is God's doing, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  "I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him."  It's not my understanding or knowledge that earns me faith.  It's not the effort I put into religious studies that does so.  It is God's Holy Spirit that draws me into faith.  "But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in true faith..."  How, precisely, does that work?  I'm not sure.  Here's where there is an element of mystery.  Jesus says the Spirit is like the wind, blowing where it wills.  Rather than try to figure it out, it's best to just give thanks and praise to God for the gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit.  Then, as the author suggests, share the stories of how God works in our lives, pointing to who God is and what God desires.