Imagine reading a book, but instead of starting from the first chapter, you read the last one first. You’d know how the story ends before even understanding its beginning or the journey of the characters. This approach might seem odd to many of us, but it’s not too far from the question we’re exploring today: If you could, how would feel knowing your future? This question, as simple as it may seem, carries profound implications for our lives and our faith.

What if we knew our future? How would that knowledge affect our present? How would it shape our decisions, our actions, and our relationships? These are not just hypothetical questions. They touch on the very essence of our human experience – the interplay between knowledge, choice, and destiny.

Consider the biblical characters like David, Moses, Joseph, and Paul. Each of them had a unique journey filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs. If they had known their future, would they have acted differently? Would David, knowing he would commit adultery and murder, have made different choices? Would Moses, knowing he would lead millions through the wilderness, have approached his life differently? Would Joseph, aware of his future as a powerful leader in Egypt, have reacted differently to his brother’s betrayal? Would Paul, knowing he would go from persecuting Christians to becoming one of Christianity’s greatest evangelists, have started his journey sooner?

God’s Plan

The stress of knowing the future might deter us from making certain choices. If we knew about the hardships we would face, would we still make the same decisions? The Bible teaches us that God has a plan for each of us. As stated in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If God cares for the grass that gets thrown into the furnace the next day or the birds that do not sow or reap but are still fed, how much more does He care for us?

Yet, we often worry and plan obsessively, trying to control our future. But does this really help us? Does worrying add days to our lives, or does planning for every possible scenario help us offset unforeseen events? The truth is that knowing our future might make us feel like we need to rely less on God. If we knew all the outcomes, where would faith come in?

The biblical characters we mentioned earlier were not perfect. They made mistakes, but God still used them for His purposes. This shows us that we don’t need to be perfect for God to use us. We can be a new creation in Christ, and as long as we are willing, God can use us for His glory.

Looking Forward

The freedom lies in knowing that whatever God wants to get done, there’s nothing we can do to stop that. We should be content with where we are and be patient with what God has in store for us. As Paul said in Philippians 3:13, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”

So, would you want to know your future if you could? Or would you rather live in the present, trusting in God’s plan and relying on your faith? This is the paradox of knowing the future and faith. As we ponder on this, let’s remember to be content where we are, for we struggle enough with everyday life in the present to worry about tomorrow.

Uncommen Questions:

• How would knowing your future change your present actions and decisions?
• How does your faith in God’s plan influence your approach to the future?
• How does the idea of foreknowledge challenge your understanding of faith and free will?

Uncommen Challenge: 

This week, try to live in the present. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on what you can do today to live according to God’s will. Trust in His plan and timing, and remember that He has a purpose for you. Reflect on the stories of David, Moses, Joseph, and Paul. How did their faith guide them through their trials and tribulations? How can their stories inspire you to trust in God’s plan for your life?