A 30,000 foot view: Reflecting on the Omniscience of God

As I write, my new bride and I are cruising at 30,000 feet. We are on the way to our honeymoon and taking in the scenery from a different perspective. Any who have flown know that when you look at the contours and landmarks on the ground, they look the same but also different. Lakes that once make you feel tiny, now themselves seem like little puddles dotting the countryside. Skyscrapers that gave one a pain in the neck to look up at, now seem like little pencils sticking out of the ground. None of these have changed. They are just as large and imposing as they once were when seen from the ground. Before they would consume nearly your whole field of view. The entire horizon might be filled with one of the Great Lakes when seen from the shoreline. A city’s skyline might stretch for miles, a metal and concrete forest reaching into the distance. But from the vantage point of 30,000 feet, they are seen from a new perspective. They haven’t changed. My viewpoint has.

It’s astounding that so much can seem so different when only more knowledge has been added to our experience. At this height, I can see so many things I can’t on the ground. A road that winds and curves for miles can be seen to reach its destination. A lake that has such a murky color connects a mile or so later to a beautifully clear blue loch. Cities that are a mess and tangle of streets and bridges can now be seen to sprawl with grandeur like a proud but imposing lion. In all these cases, only more knowledge has been added. Knowing more can change a confusing path into a winding vista.

And this then reminds me of the Lord’s omniscience. He knows the steps we will take before we take them. He has planned our lives to grow us and glorify Him. We are so limited in our own knowledge. We have only the present and the past to work with to make sense out of our lives. God, on the other hand, omnisciently knows all. And more than that, God is in control at all times and of all things. He is Lord and nothing can overcome that Lordship over every atom of the universe. Sin may wreak havoc, but it can’t touch the sovereign and omniscient character of God. The question becomes, very quickly, in who’s knowledge will we trust?

So…back to that opening line. That’s right, I am married. In the days since my late wife’s passing, God had a plan that was surprising and wonderful. That is partly why this blog has been so inactive of late. The spring semester was quite busy. But more significant than that, I had been getting to know and amazing Christian lady. So many questions arose. We’ve never met before, will we be a good fit? Was this too quick? Is grieving for almost a year with my late wife long enough? Will my kids accept her? Does she fit the ministry life I believe God has for me? Will she like my kids? Will she like me? What will people say? Will they think this is too quick? Is this too quick?

And I am just honestly not omniscient enough to know the answers to those questions. So, leaning into wisdom from God’s Word, I sought Godly counsel. I had committed to two men that I would fully open up and answer any question they asked. Total transparency. I also involved two other pastors. The results continued to surprise me. All involved thought this was from the Lord and a wise path to investigate. In short, their experience and knowledge helped me to walk a wise path toward remarriage. Had I leaned only on my own understanding (Prov. 3), I would likely have made many mistakes. But trusting in the Lord’s counsel was key. My kids absolutely love Melissa. So much in fact, that before they realized this was a possibility they suggested it to dad! God did so many things to help me see that He was in control and that I could trust Him. And now, I sit on a plane, at 30,000 feet, with my new bride sitting by my side. God has been so good to me. He has taken away, and he had every right to do so. But now, just as He did in Job 42, he has given again. What kindness He bestows on his underserving servants.

At this time last year, I only knew for sure that my wife was going to die. The sorrow was incredible. Robyn and I mourned for months before anyone had a clue. I had no idea how long God was going to allow her to stay. And I had no idea what was going to happen after. I was hoping to just make it through the spring semester and get some time to breathe in the summer. But our God is omniscient. That winding road that ran down into the depths of a valley came out the other side. Eventually it found its way to beautifully sunny fields and wide expansive mountains. Joy followed sorrow.

God is omniscient; He knows everything. We, however, are at the mercy of our present circumstances and our past experience. But believers have something else to help us navigate the winding paths of life. Scripture shows us the character of the God who omnisciently knows all the paths. In His Word, we can see that God knows and loves His children. He may allow sorrow, but He is never surprised by it. What seems chaotic and unexpected to us is just a blind curve in the path, one hidden when seen from the ground. But God sees His people. He “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Ps. 121). He is never unaware of any fact in the universe, including your life.

You may never reach a 30,000 foot view of your life. I believe we won’t ever reach that, even in heaven. God didn’t design me to be omniscient. He designed me to serve Him, and to trust in Him. When a person becomes humble to that design, endless possibilities open up in life. Sorrow no longer seems like the last word. Pain is still painful, but is never without hope. And joy becomes much more significant since every good gift comes from the God who is above (James 1:17).

How does your life look? Do you see yourself in a deep dark valley? Does it feel like you are weaving through a confusing mess of streets and buildings? Do you wish you could just know a little more that would help you navigate your life? Crack open your Bible. Study God’s character. Remind yourself of the One who knows all and knows you. He cares for you. No matter what your circumstances look like, you can trust in His character.