God is Never Surprised

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people. - Luke 22:1-2

Surprises can be good or bad, wanted or unwanted, pleasant or painful. We are surprised by an unexpected check in the mail, meeting a kind client, or a cheerful server at lunch on a rainy day. On the other hand, a change in the weather that ruins our plans or an unexpected illness or bill are surprises we wish we could avoid. How can we prepare for surprises and not become discouraged by the bad news—or feel prideful that our abilities made something good happen when things are unexpectedly positive?

Jesus was going to be betrayed, beaten beyond recognition, and then crucified. He was not surprised. He was never surprised because He was God and knew the future. He also knew there would be a victorious resurrection and the purchase of a Bride made from sinful people! Knowing the future gave Him courage to face the present trials, as well as the future betrayals and abandonment by His best friends.

You do not know the future. But then again, you actually do! If you are a Christian, you know that you will be raised to eternal life with Christ! You also know the One who knows everything about the future! You can live with consistent hope, courage, and optimism when difficult surprises come by trusting God, who knows your future and loves His children. You don’t have to be caught off guard or discouraged when nasty surprises come. Your God was not!

Remember, He holds you in the palm of His hand: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). Rest hopefully in His hand.