the Lord works in mysterious ways

the Lord works in mysterious ways

A phrase said when things have not happened as one had hoped or expected. It implies that everything happens for a reason. I know you were really excited about that job, but maybe it's for the best that you didn't get it—the Lord works in mysterious ways, after all. I thought that getting divorced would be the worst experience of my life, but then I fell in love with my divorce lawyer. The Lord works in mysterious ways!
See also: lord, mysterious, way, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • add up to the same thing
  • amount to the same thing
  • amount/come to the same thing
  • I'll believe it when I see it
  • I'll believe it/that when I see it
  • know too much
  • nose about
  • nose around
  • I'd rather face a firing squad than (do something)
  • I'd rather face a firing squad than do
References in periodicals archive
It will take a miracle to stop Patrick from telling Denise what he knows - but the Lord works in mysterious ways. Maybe somebody up there likes Ian Beale and reckons he deserves a break.
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We are told the Lord works in mysterious ways but, for many people, to suggest there is an intelligent deity who could rationally act in such a fashion and that that deity is worth worshipping seems beyond the pale.
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I realise the Lord works in mysterious ways, but surely this is as nothing when compared to The Oxbridge Taffia at work in the Church, Military and Politics within Wales.
Oxbridge Taffia; LETTERS
"The Lord works in mysterious ways but I was delighted to get a full house, even if it was courtesy of a singing star.
Crooner Daniel's fans fill church service