God Is Never Surprised
Think about that for a moment.
Though the human existence is full of surprises–some that delight us and others that devastate us, it is a comforting reminder that the Sovereign God of the universe is not surprised one bit.
If God, who created the world and everything in it is all-knowing, then His perspective is one of complete knowledge void of uncertainty. His very nature is the representation of all things past, present, and future, eliminating the element of surprise.
He. knows.
“I am the Alpha and Omega”, says the Lord God, “the One who is, who was, and who is coming, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
Doesn’t that warm your heart on a cold day?
—when things don’t turn out like you planned?
—when you struggle to make good choices?
—when change is coming and you’re not ready for it?
Can I just remind you today, friend, that God is on His throne. He sees. He knows. And whether or not you believe it, He cares for you.
Like a loving parent only wanting what’s best for her defiant two-year-old who says, “No! I don’t want that shot and you can’t make me!”, our Heavenly Father sees beyond our excuses and sees our fear. He knows what we are really saying when we don’t understand the answer to our question of “Why is this happening to me?”.
Or maybe we can be like that adolescent who might surprise her parents by acting out in a way that is uncharacteristic. I sometimes wonder if God sees our actions and thinks, “I wish she would just grow up!”… but He loves us anyway, knowing that in time, we will grow up and the next stage of life will take over. And because He is God, He is also patient and merciful and kind–and forgiving when we turn to Him in honest repentance.
Then there are those teens. What a bittersweet time. While not yet an adult, we struggle to figure out who we are and who we want to be. Pulled in a thousand different directions, we know change is coming, bringing uncertainty and anxiety. Our life becomes our own as the decisions we have to make about the future get more complicated, along with the consequences of our choices. Depending less on our parents, and often pulling away from them, it is an absolutely critical time to look to God for wisdom and guidance. (Pray for the next generation!)
“Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3
Looking back, I can see how quickly the years have gone by. As young adults anticipating the excitement of our future, we reach this transitional time when we make life-altering decisions that will carry long-term consequences. If we’re not careful, we will put our trust in our emotions or what someone else–or even what the world tells us, plunging ahead without considering God’s perspective.
Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14
Do you see the analogy? Spiritual maturity matters. God doesn’t want us to stay spiritual toddlers!
So here I am, with a perspective that spans 60 years. What is it, that I didn’t see–that I couldn’t always see clearly before? What has hindsight taught me?
His Sovereign Hand in all of it. The joys, the struggles, the hopes, the dreams. He knew me then and He knows me now–and He has been with me through it all. True to His Word, God is faithful. He is “the same, yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) While I knew it to be true in theory on paper (and in my head), it is only through experience and the eyes of faith that I can testify to it’s truth in my heart–and in a lifetime of following Him. What’s your story? Maybe it’s time for you to share with someone who needs to hear of God’s faithfulness in your life.
I am quite aware that this post seems melancholy. Perhaps it is the season I am in, but reflecting on God’s faithfulness is always a healthy practice. When we focus on who He is and what He has done in the past, it can be a strong catalyst for our next yes to God. I am often surprised that God could use me, but I do know that He’s not finished with me yet, and until I breathe my last breath I want to fulfill His purposes for me.
I can’t know what the future holds for me or for you, but I do know that God is Sovereign. He’s on His throne, and is still in control. Won’t you reach out to Him today? Place your life in His hands and let Him show you how walking by FAITH can make all the difference.
A person’s steps are established by the Lord,
and he takes pleasure in his way.
Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
because the Lord supports him with His hand.
