Acts 15:18 – “Known to God from eternity are all His works.”  NKJV

I have heard preachers preach, people pray, songs sung, and testimonies that make it sound like God is sometimes caught off guard by what transpires or what people do.  When I hear that I am reminded of this and other passages and the fact that God is OMNISCIENT.  If He is God, and He is then He sees everything from the beginning to the end.  He knows our thoughts “afar off” and although He knows He allows us to make the choices we make.

In Psalm 139 the Psalmist spoke of this truth of the All-Knowing God.  He declared that God knows EVERYTHING!  Look at the list of things the Psalmist declares of God’s knowledge:

• He has searched and known us.
• He knows our sitting down and rising up.
• He understands our thoughts afar off.
• He comprehends our path and laying down.
• He is acquainted with all our ways.
• He knows every word that proceeds from our lips that He is not aware of.
• He has hedged up about.
• His Spirit cannot be escaped or hidden from.
• We can find no place to hide.
• If we ascend to heaven or descend to hell HE IS THERE.
• He formed us and knows us.

With that knowledge, the Psalmist prays in verses 23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”  That prayer is prayed in light of the things I listed above meaning the Psalmist asked knowing that is exactly what God would do and knowing that if God fully examined his heart he would be totally exposed.

Therefore, when something catches you by surprise you can be confident that it did not surprise God.  We have made choices in life (good and bad) that brought us to the moment.  Others may have made choices that brought the situation to bear and placed us in danger, not because of our wrong choices but theirs, and God is not caught by surprise.  Therefore, it is not only permissible but desirable that we pray for His guidance and protection at all times and in all things.  Thus, the last part of the prayer, “…lead me in the way everlasting.” 

I love the comforting words of Jeremiah when God speaks prophetically through him in Jeremiah 29 declaring, “…for I know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Thank you, LORD.  I am not only awed by your knowledge but inspired by the fact you know giving me comfort to live life without fear.

Yes, we are often caught by surprise but God, never.   So, as you go through this day know that God knows giving you even more reason to call upon Him and trust Him.  

Blessings abundantly is my prayer!