3-Truths From Jesus for Us-Part 1 I know What Your Future Holds

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NKJV)

Have you ever walked away from something not really knowing for sure if or when you would come back?  It could have been a certain project you started, a job you were frustrated with, a tough conversation of accountability, or even a relationship with someone.  It could even be your relationship with God. You can even say with truth, "Hey, walking away was never the plan, it just sort of happened.  One moment everything was fine, and then all of a sudden, here I am."

Such was the case with Simon Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Jesus had just told Peter how the future was going to play out - how his future was going to include the Devil sifting him as wheat, and him ultimately walking away from Jesus.  

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

Well, Peter didn't plan on leaving Jesus.  In fact, he had even boasted to the contrary.

But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." Luke 22:33 (NKJV)

One could attempt to argue or reason this to be a sad set of scriptures - painting a picture of a helpless Christian being attacked by the devil, resulting in him failing in his walk with God.  But this deduction would be both incomplete and false in many aspects.  And I believe every one of us as Christian men and women have something very valuable to learn from these passages.  And it is the message of hope.

Jesus gave Peter 3-truths to help him; truths we need to be aware of as well.  Let's take a look at each of them and find some application for our lives.  The first truth we see Jesus giving Peter to help him in temptation is:

1.    God knows everything the future holds.

God is "Omniscient."  This means He knows everything, past present, and future - there is nothing hidden from Him.  

God knows our every thought long before our actions follow.  King David knew this as recorded in the Psalms.

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Psalms 139:1-4 (NKJV)
 
This is exactly why we must never be content with merely having an outward appearance of obeying God, because He is looking at the motives of our heart, and sees them long before the action unfolds.  The writer of Hebrews captures this truth.

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV)

Q:    What does this mean to us?

A:    This should give us a great peace knowing God knows completely what our future holds.  We can be assured He is working in every situation.  This allows us to confidently walk in faith despite any obstacle or set of circumstances, which might otherwise cause us to doubt or stop. 

We can see a great example of this in Acts 27:21-25, as God lets The Apostle Paul know there would be a loss of the ship they were sailing on, but not a loss of life.

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you to know without doubt - God knows what your future holds and He is in control.  Walk in confidence today and keep your eyes fixed on Christ - upon God's Word, and on the opportunities He is providing for you.  Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways, acknowledge Him - He will make your paths straight.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to God knowing everything?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you living in doubt about your future?  Do you have apprehension or fear because of the things you are seeing in our world?

APPLICATION: Do not doubt, fear, or be anxious about your future - God is in control and He sees everything and will guide you through on a perfect path.  Trust Him!