The first half of 2020 is behind us. What a beginning it was! Now as we head into the second half of 2020 the predictions of what may come are even more dire in many places. Who would have thought as we celebrated this new decade on January 1 what we would face in just a matter of months? The whole world was turned upside down by the unexpected.
Yet, as I am often reminded, our Father God is not surprised nor taken aback by the “unexpected,” for He knows all things. He knows even the things that “might” happen.
One of my favorite passages of reassurance is found in 1 Samuel 23. The Philistines were attacking the city of Keilah and God sent David to rescue them. When Saul found out what David did, and that he was still in Keilah behind barred gates, he planned to trap him there.
David inquired of the LORD and asked two questions. The first, “Will Saul come?” God’s answer: “Yes, he will.” [v10-11]
David inquired again, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” God’s answer: “They will.” [v12]
That, of course, never happened because David took God’s warning and fled the city and escaped with his men. God warned David about what would happen unless David heeded the warning. God knew Saul’s plan, as well as the thoughts of the citizens of Keilah even before they thought them!
Omniscience (big theological word) for the truth that God knows all things. That big theological word is vitally important to us as we walk through each day. We know we can trust that God will not be surprised, nor taken aback, by the unexpected that we might encounter. Praise His Holy Name.