The Unknown

As U.S. President Woodrow Wilson approached 1914, the world seemed like a relatively calm place. Reporting on the first year of his presidency, Wilson focused primarily on domestic issues.

To him, there was only “one cloud upon our horizon.” This consisted of uncertainty regarding Mexico, where there had been a revolution. As Wilson anticipated, problems continued in Mexico, leading to a U.S. invasion in 1914.

But Wilson did not foresee the outbreak of World War I just a few months later—a war that would result in 37 million deaths (including 350,000 Americans). Empires would be shaken. New countries would be created. And the world’s political landscape would change in significant ways.

As 1914 began 100 years ago, none of the world’s political leaders could imagine how their world would change. Yet they all continued to plan and make assumptions about what the future would hold.

Today, our leaders make their plans based on how they think the future will evolve. Whose vision of the future will be closest to reality? All of them will undoubtedly be wrong to some extent, for the future will evolve in many ways that surprise everyone.

The Bible tells us that “no one really knows what is going to happen” in the days to come. The wisest of men may have ideas, but none of them “can predict the future.”

Yet the Bible reminds us that God knows the end from the beginning. He can tell “the future before it even happens.” He tells us, “Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish” (Isaiah 46:10).

As you begin a new year, remember that the Lord knows the future. For the world and for you! Trust your life to Him.