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Have you ever wondered where the phrase, “The Lord works in mysterious ways,” comes from? The actual phrase first appeared in hymn entitled “Conflict: Light Shining out of Darkness.” The lyrics of the hymn were written by William Cowper in 1773, just before the onset of a depressive illness during which he attempted suicide by drowning. The first verse of the hymn says, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.”
In my humble opinion, one of the most mysterious stories in the bible is the story of Joseph. Joseph was the most loved son of his father. He was given the famous robe of many colors. When Joseph reported having dreams of his brothers, bowing before him, their jealousy of grew into hatred, evil intent and evil actions. His brothers sold him into slavery to a traveling caravan who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. Next Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph. Joseph repelled her attempt to lure him into her bed, she grabbed him by his coat. She pulled on his coat, saying, Lie with me. Joseph ran out and left his garment in her hand. Citing his garment as evidence, Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of having assaulted her, and he was sent to prison. Joseph went from beloved son,... to slave,... to prisoner!
While Joseph was in jail he managed to gain favor with the jailer and with Potiphar. With God's help, Joseph interprets the dreams of two prisoners, predicting that one of them will be reinstated but the other put to death. Joseph languished in jail for 2 years before the Pharaoh experiences a disturbing dream. Potiphar then tells the Pharaoh of Joseph's prophetic gifts. Joseph then interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh, which anticipate seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's God-given ability and makes him the chief administrator of Egypt.
The famine predicted by Joseph forces his father to send his sons to buy grain from the Egyptians. When Joseph finally encounters his brothers again, he deliberately conceals his identity. Joseph knows that he has changed considerably since his brothers sold him into slavery. Finally reveals that he is their brother. Joseph explains to them that they need not feel guilty for betraying him as it was God's plan for him to be in Egypt to preserve his family. Isn't it mysterious that Joseph didn't see his prophetic dream fulfilled until years later when he prophetically interprets the dream of Pharaoh.
Isaiah 55: 8-9 NKJV “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph remained faithful and trusted in God to deliver him from tribulation. This story shows how God's plan may not be obvious to our limited perspective. We should be inspired by the story of Joseph It should give us faiththat God will deliver us.
Romans 8:28 NKJV And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose
Romans 8:18 NKJV For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
