Why does God’s Will Often Appear…
And on a need to know basis…
Jesus does not often share all the details of what He’s doing in my life. Most of the time, He just speaks and expects me to obey. Though He may tell me the outcome, it is often contrary to my expectations.
Why is this?
It is because circumstances around me are in constant flux, and the way forward does not reveal itself until the moment God wants me to act.
Our Father knows the future, not because the future has already happened, but because it is the future He is choosing to bring about. Though the future He declares will be, the timing of it and the individuals who will fulfill it are not set in stone.
God says,
“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,”
Acts 8: 26,27
Like Philip, you have to trust and obey God’s voice in order to be in position in the desert to meet the Ethiopian eunuch at the precise time he is reading a passage in the book of Isaiah. If the Ethiopian Eunuch would have delayed half a day, Philip would need to be there later, or if that official would have been early, plans would have needed to change accordingly. The point is that that God orchestrates our lives due to fluid conditions around us. Therefore, we need to be listening and flexible so that He can move us accordingly.
It is what God foreknow that He predestines
The idea that the future is set in stone is somewhat wrong. The future God declares will happen, because He will make it happen, but not because it has already happened. The major reason for the flood was that mankind had fallen to such a low point that it was literally impossible for God to bring about mankind’s salvation given those circumstances. Therefore, He wiped the slate of humanity clean and and started over with Noah and his family.
Oftentimes, it seems like God is not telling us everything, or that we are on a ‘need to know’ basis. However, it isn’t because He is hiding information He already knows, it is because He doesn’t know our best course of action until the very last moment.
Remember, though the outcome is sure, the way to get there and the timing is constantly in play. This is why we live by faith and not by sight.
Amen
Dear Connections,
I wrote this blog in the middle of the night when being battled by the Devil. I figured if I am going to be tormented, I might as well write something to fight back.
Blessings,
Michael
This is such great insight! I think that, fundamentally, Christians believe everything in God’s will is “hardwired” and can’t be changed, or else we would leave His will.
I love that you bring to light the idea that God honors our free will so much that He will allow the river of His will to course around us and any obstacles that we or others present. Its really quite humbling to realize that’s how He works: If we or anyone else decides against obeying Him, He will still accomplish His will, but it may not be through us or through the people he had originally intended. Such great truth!
Thanks for your faithfulness in sharing God’s revelation, and for fighting the devil back!
Lots of hugs –
Christi
Dear Christi,
Thanks for the comment! I like the river analogy?
Big hugs and lots of love,
Michael
Just exactly what I needed to hear at exactly the right time.
Love and hugs,
Steve
Dear Steven,
Great! I glad it spoke to you.
Big hugs and lots of love,
Michael