My son got 2 very young kittens a few weeks back. Knowing that after they ate they would have to do their business somewhere, we got two litter boxes. We did not know what we know now. The kittens did not know what litter boxes were and became frightened when we would place them in one. To cut down on the mess, I asked the LORD what to do. Then thought to put down cardboard with liter on it in the spots the kittens favored going (which is in my bedroom, under my bed). They are getting better on doing their business on the litter, but I still don’t know how to graduate them to the litter boxes.
One of so many things I love about the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is that HE knows all things (John 16:30), not just things past and present but also future. That simple mind-boggling fact helps me accept so much I cannot grasp.
GOD in three persons makes up the GODHEAD (Matthew 28:19) and in the counsels of heaven HE chose to make mankind to fellowship with HIM. HE chose to make them in HIS image (Genesis 1:26). Part of that image is the ability to make choices. Yet GOD did not make man to be in control.
Many scripture texts show that GOD allows men to do wrong to show us what is in us and why we need a Savior. Each person is always responsible for their own choices and choices have consequences. Often the MOST HIGH allows wicked men to do wrong. But as Genesis 50:20 (and many other texts) show when GOD allows men to do wrong with evil intent, GOD has pre-planned to use their actions for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). There is always a plan in place (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and GOD is always in control (Ephesians 1:11).
In making man with the ability to choose that meant they could either accept and love HIM or reject HIM. HE knew before creation which would do what. Yet for GOD to give the ability to choose meant HE had to 1st choose to allow HIMSELF to selectively suffer certain things because of mankind’s choices while GOD HIMSELF maintained complete Sovereign control. GOD is never at man’s mercy.
GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is said to grieve at times because of our actions (Ephesians 4:30). HE is holy and anything unholy grieves HIM. GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS, consented and chose to suffer much on earth from humiliation to carrying all the punishment for the sins of mankind in torture on the cross of Calvary. GOD the FATHER suffered as HE laid HIS wrath for sin on HIS beloved SON. HE did it out of HIS love for mankind. But our triune GOD chose to do that because HE wanted us.
“GOD devised means, that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM” (2 Samuel 14:14).
Interestingly, we find that GOD preset (past tense) the times and places (Acts 17:26) thereby set the stage where we make our choices. In HIS astounding foreknowledge HE knew what choices would be made and synchronized it all. It’s beyond amazing, just blows my mind thinking of it.
Hugs
Sharon
wakemyear 