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. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain: God is His own interpreter, And he will make it plain.

Summary

This quote, attributed to the hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" by William Cowper, speaks to the belief that God operates in ways beyond our understanding. It suggests that God's actions are often concealed to us, likening them to footsteps planted in the sea and storms ridden upon. The quote encourages believers to take courage in the face of fear and uncertainty, assuring them that the clouds of adversity hold the promise of blessings. It advises against judging God based on limited human perception and urges trust in His grace, even when faced with challenges. The quote concludes with the belief that God's divine purposes will unfold and become clear over time, despite occasional bitterness or uncertainty along the way.

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