In the fall of 2019, I waited impatiently for the Downton Abbey movie to be released. It’s based on the wildly popular PBS television series that aired from 2010 to 2015. I started watching Downton when one of my daughters binged-watched it and recommended it to me. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Before I saw the movie, I rewatched the series to refresh my memory.
One thing that stood out as I watched the series over again was how much more I enjoyed it the second time. Because I knew the characters and what was going to happen, the show was more meaningful to me. I felt closer to the characters because I already knew them and their lives, and I wasn’t in discovery mode as I was the first time I watched.
I realized that the Lord sees us in much the same way. Each character on Downton Abbey was unique and easily identified. God created us in the same way. Each person on Earth is like a snowflake with different patterns of personality, quirks, and gifts. He created nobody else like us.
For the Lord, there are no surprises. Because He’s omniscient, He knows what we have done, are doing, and will do during our whole lifetime. He’s familiar with us just as I am with the characters of Downton Abbey. I know what’s going to happen to them and won’t be surprised when I rewatch the show.
Just as the creator of the television series created his characters the way he wanted them, God created each of us just the same way. When He looks at us, He sees everything – our character, our past, present, and future, and He knows what’s in our hearts and souls. He sees us as a complete series, though we cannot. We can only see the first run of our lives and are in a state of constant discovery.
Even though God sees our future, He still has a plan for us. Because He knows us so well, He knows how we can achieve it. Having a relationship with our Creator – Father God and communicating with Him regularly can keep us on the path to having a good ending to our life series. Just as the creators and writers of Downton worked hard on a good story and memorable characters, God will see that the outcome of our lives is in His plan and what is best for us.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8