09.11 - In the midst of Pain, Suffering and Affliction

On September 11, 2001, I was in the Dominican Republic.
Every Tuesday Missionary Flights International would bring the mail to Santiago Christian School.
On this particular mail day I received a copy of The Hidden Smile of God, a book on suffering, pain and affliction, from my brother-in-law.

Several years later, my copy of the book was destroyed in a fire @ Emmanuel Christian School.
Through the difficulties of both of these situations William Cowper's poem "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" speaks volumes to me about God and His goodness even in the midst of difficult times.
The poem is below and the link to the online version of the book is above.

God Moves in Mysterious Ways
William Cowper (1731–1800)

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.