The Unforeseeable Future

The Unforeseeable Future

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.

Ephesians 1:11

Beware of the philosophy that leads people to say, “What can I do? What’s the use of praying? What good is it to worry? If it’s predestined, it must happen.” Yes, it’s true that what is predestined will happen. However, we aren’t commanded to know what is predestined. In fact, we are forbidden to know it. We test God when we delve into unknowable matters. God has given Scripture to us so that we can know what we should and shouldn’t do. He expects us to act on this knowledge. What we cannot know, we should leave to God. We should stick to our responsibilities, vocation, and position in life. God and God alone knows what is predestined. You aren’t supposed to know.

Take for example the time when Joab was being attacked both in front and from behind by his enemies. He didn’t say to his brother Abishai, “Wait, let’s see what is predestined, and then we will act accordingly.” Rather, he said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight” (2 Samuel 10:11–12).

So we also should concentrate on our duties, whether or not something is predestined. Because we have no word or light from God on that matter, we don’t know anything about it. Therefore, we should put the thought of trying to find out whether or not something is predestined out of our mind and heart. Let the future remain in darkness. Let it stay secret and hidden. In the meantime, we should do what we know we ought to. We should live by God’s Word and the light he has given to us.