God often works the same way. We are told what we need to know and no more (specifically in situations when more knowledge would be hurtful).
In Nehemiah, Nehemiah knew this wise plan -- only to tell what was absolutely necessary. He writes in chapter 2 verses 11 and 12, "So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell anyone what God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding."
He didn't want the opposition to know his plans. He didn't want them working against him when he wasn't ready. And he didn't want to worry or frighten or even discourage his fellow countrymen.
In our lives, we don't need to tell everyone everything. If God is leading us to do something, it is often a good idea to stay quiet about it; spend time in prayer about it; maybe share it with just one person who you know has wisdom and insight. If we share our dreams too early, we may get a bunch of comments and opinions we really don't need.
In simple things I have to do this with one my kids. She is a constant worrier so I don't tell her about certain plans or things outside our normal schedule until absolutely necessary. Otherwise she'll worry and fret and get her gloom-doom face on.
Maybe that is why God doesn't tell us things too. We can't handle that knowledge quite yet -- whether it be good or bad.
I think of my 13 year old son's future. I have no idea how long he'll live. We were told when he was a baby he very likely would only live a couple of years.
What a blessing this uncertainty is! I have learned to live with the unknown with great contentment. I have learned to live with the unknown peacefully in all areas of my life. This is such a good thing.
My life is no different than anyone else's. We all live with the unknown about most things but we conveniently forget about that. We assume we'll see our kids graduate from high school. We assume we'll get to see them marry. We assume so much that is not there.
James, Jesus' brother, even mentions this in his book. He writes in chapter 4 verse 14, "You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away."
What we need to know today we already know: God is good, so very good! He loves us with abandon. He has good plans for each of us. He is bigger than anything we are facing. And He wants to use each of us today to touch others.....Wow, what a life we have!