God Moves in Mysterious Ways

Yesterday was the Lord's day and as many of you know, due to the fact that I asked for your prayer support, I had the opportunity of not only teaching the Sojourners Adult Bible Class, I preached the morning and evening services in the absence of our pastor. First, I thank you for your prayer support. The morning and evening went absolutely fantastic - to the ultimate glory of our marvelous God.

However, I would to share a hymn from William Cowper, circa 1774 and then share will you why I think it was such a blessing to us.

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 brightest 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 purpose will ripen fast,

unfolding every hour;

the bud may have a bitter taste

but sweet will be the flower

Blind unbelief is sure to err

and scan his work in vain

God is his own interpreter

and he will make it plain

Taken from the Trinity Hymnal, (Suwanee: Great Commission Publications), # 21

I had just begun the morning message by completing the introduction and had just announced the first point, when a member stood up and said "we are having a medical emergency." The woman behind her had gone into an epileptic episode and needed immediate attention. A couple of members immediate went to her assistance and 911 was called. Naturally the service stopped and several of us began to pray for her and for the wisdom of the responding ambulance crew.

By the time the ambulance arrived she had come out of the episode. They made sure she was stabilized and then she was taken for treatment.

Now, how does this song and this situation blend? Marvelously, darling, someone once said! God did move in a mysterious way and he performed a wonder worthy of praise. Even though Hell and all its minions would have done anything to stop anyone that morning from preaching the Word that the Son of God had died willingly and voluntarily to satisfy his father and that "It was truly finished!'; and some would have judged by feeble senses, God's purpose did ripen fast.

You see, this woman lived alone with two small children and had no telephone. God arranged to allow her to experience this episode amongst his people to render immediate care. Had she been at home, she would have been without a phone for help and her children to figure out a way to deal with her situation. Praise God for his thoughtfulness!

We experienced a some 40 minute delay. When I asked the congregation what was their pleasure, end the service or continue the message - they overwhelmingly wanted to hear Gods' word. So talk about going "overtime."

What a marvelous God we have. He finished the work of redemption; he arranged a woman's medical emergency to take place where she would receive the loving help of her brothers and sisters in Christ, and I still was infinitely privileged to teach the precious word of God.

So thank you to those who lifted me up to the Lord in prayer!