God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Crises can be very rude.  They rarely tell you in advance when they're going to pay you a visit.  They just show up, and usually at the most inopportune times.

That's how it happened this past weekend when a dear friend and colleague in ministry was candidating for an Associate Pastor position at my church.  This is a weekend that I, along with the rest of the church, had been anticipating for some time.  It was a big stepping stone in terms of our long-term vision.

Yet it was at the outset of this monumental weekend, indeed, on the very day it began, that a close family member had (and continues to be) steeped in an immoral lifestyle.  Worse than that, he has all but turned his back on God, now doubting the existence of God, the reality of the Gospel, the veracity of Scripture.  This is a man who, for the most part, had the same advantages of a godly upbringing that I did.

How could such a thing happen?

Before you answer, let me say that my question is more emotional than it is mental.  I know theologically how such a thing can happen, based on what Scripture says about the depravity of man, the deceitfulness of sin, etc.  It's just that sometimes we are stupefied over the sudden change of course that life can take.

It was right around this time (I think it was the same day, in fact), that I discovered that the family business might go belly-up due to the economic (and more specifically, the mortgage) crisis.  Imminent bankruptcy looms before my loved ones.

Years ago, I read an article wherein a pastor wrote, "Our tendency in the midst of a crisis is to ask, 'God, what is the meaning of this?', when the question we ought to be asking is, "God, what is the meaning in this?" - A subtle change in words represents a big difference in the dynamic of the question.  Right now, I'm looking to learn whatever lessons God has for us in these crises, and encouraging my family members to do the same.

On the back of the sermon hand-out last Sunday was the following poem by William Cowper.  As always, God's timing is impeccable.  I have been drinking in the theological richness of this rhyme since the moment these crises hit.  May it fortify your faith in the midst of whatever trial you might be enduring this hour:

GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY

By William Cowper

 

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform

He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

 

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head.

 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

 

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.