Because God stands outside time and see what is happening at any point along that line, so to speak.
What or who sets them apart from the rest of humanity?
I don't know.<
Is there some characteristic that they have that is not from God that makes them special?
There's nothing we haven't received from God, except I suppose, our sin nature.
I’m not sure how what you have said agrees with Romans 8. It almost sounds like God is reactive rather than active.