God Knows the Future
Scripture:
Acts 7:6-7 — But God spoke to this effect, that his descendants would be aliens in a foreign land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. And whatever nation to which they will be in bondage I myself will judge said God, and after that they will come out and serve me in this place.
Observation:
Everything I’ve been reading for the past few days about what happened in the days of Moses, God knew would happen hundreds of years in advance. In Genesis 15:13, God told Abraham that his descendants would be held captive and then He would free them so they could come out and serve Him. I often say that, “God knows everything,” but this story reminds me that He really does. He doesn’t just know what is going on today, He knows what will be going on hundreds of days and years from now. When the Bible says He knows the plans He has for us — that is more than just wishful thinking or a quick fix for a sad heart. God really knows the future. He really knows what life will be like and how He will be moving to bring about His glory. He will always move to ensure that He has a people, and His people have a God who is like none other and one who fights for them even through the most unlikely and unbelievable circumstances.
Application:
God knows the end even from the beginning. He knows His plans for my life. Nothing is going to come at me or against me that He isn’t fully aware of. This also tells me just how foolish it is for me to resist Him and His plans. If He knows where we are headed, then it just makes sense to me that I would want to cooperate with Him to enjoy and be part of His plans — not fight against it and miss the blessing. I sit in awe today of the foreknowledge of God. I need to trust Him more.
Prayer:
God, You know all things. That’s not just preacher talk today, I really believe it. You know. You know who will be our next president, when time will end, what tomorrow holds, and how I can best be prepared to enjoy Your work. You are in control of history and of me. You are in control of life. You are taking us toward an end that You have told us about just like You did for Abraham. Yes, I live in a sinful world and things may go from bad to worse. But You have promised the day of deliverance. Like the Egyptians, You will break the bonds of sin and Satan forever. When You do I don’t need to be surprised, but can rejoice in Your faithfulness. Between then and now Lord, help me to surrender all the details and decisions of my life to You — knowing that in following You I am best prepared to enjoy this journey. Reveal Your way to me each day. Grant me faith to follow in it. I praise You Father for being an all-knowing and all-wise God.
— Chip Henderson, senior pastor