November 11
Bible Reading: Acts 25:1-5
Acts 25:2-3, “And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.”
How are we to understand what is happening to the Apostle Paul? Why place the most useful Christian in the world at the time in prison? Why subject him to repeated interrogations at the hands of wicked men? Why allow evildoers to continue to plot his murder? Mysterious? But, later, from his imprisonment in Rome, Paul explained how God worked through his circumstances to extend his gospel outreach to unexpected places, and even to the imperial guard (Philippians 1:12-14, 4:22).
The hymn, “God Moves in Mysterious Ways,” (see below) was penned by William Cowper (1731–1800). His life ran a mysterious course, marked by profound heartache. He and his brother were the only two among seven siblings to survive past childhood. The death of his mother during childbirth, when Cowper was just six years old, deeply affected him. Throughout his school years, he faced relentless bullying, compounding his sense of isolation.
Cowper fell in love, but his beloved’s father denied his request to marry her. In 1763, he was offered a job that sent him spiraling into depression at the thought of an interview. He attempted suicide three times during this dark period, which led to his admission to an asylum. There, he met an evangelical believer who revealed the love of Christ to him. Through the truth of Romans 3:25, Cowper’s eyes were opened, and he was saved.
Despite this newfound faith, he continued to struggle with depression. In 1767, Cowper encountered John Newton, the former slave trader turned pastor and author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Newton became a mentor to Cowper, offering encouragement and support during his tumultuous life.
Cowper went on to write 68 hymns, including well-known pieces like “Oh, for a Closer Walk with God,” “There Is a Fountain,” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” Tragically, shortly after composing the last hymn, Cowper attempted suicide by drowning. He ultimately died on April 25, 1800, still grappling with his mental health.
Nevertheless, from the grave, Cowper experienced that of which he wrote “when in a nobler, sweeter song, (He sang) Thy pow’r to save!” His life ran a mysterious course, but His legacy endures in the beautiful hymns he created, which continue to encourage those who sing them.
“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust Him for His grace.” – William Cowper
GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
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 sov’reign 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 flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
and He will make it plain.
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