Does God Know My Future?

Just how much does God really control and how much do we control?  I totally object to the idea that God is learning my moves and as a result He is adjusting His moves accordingly.  This is called Open Theism and it is heresy.  David says in Psalm 139:16, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." God controls nature, governments, and mankind fully.  Paul says that God "accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will."  We even know that with random events in life and things that seem to just happen by chance that, "The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord" (Pr. 16:33).  Scripture even tells us that God "makes nations great, and he destroys them: he enlarges nations, and leads them away" (Job 12:23).

All our actions are under God's providential care, for "in him we live and move" (Acts 17:28).  Jeremiah said with confidence, "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).  Solomon stated that "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Pr. 16:9).  We know that we make willing choices, but who formed our will to make those choices?  God guides the desires and inclinations of believers, working in us "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). 

Although it is difficult at times to reconcile our will and God's providential care, God is in full control of ALL things.  Theologian, Wayne Grudem, summed it up, "It seems better simply to affirm that God causes all things that happen, but that he does so in such a way that he somehow upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices, choices that have real and eternal results, and for which we are held accountable."  Scripture does not explain just exactly how these two aspects come together but they cannot be refuted.  We cannot refute the idea just because we cannot explain the idea--especially since it is in Scripture.  The number of passages that support the providential working of God are so formidable that we cannot refute this doctrine but we should be able to rest in Him and be at peace knowing that He is at the helm. 

The more that we understand God's providence the more it shapes our lives in how we pray, live, and trust Him.  What other way would we want it to be?  God has established the best plan for all of his creation to rest in Him and to move in Him.  God in His infinite wisdom has made it possible for the finite to intersect with Him through the work of Christ.  His understanding, kindness, and love is above measure!