A Life of Wisdom: Choosing God’s Will Over Our Own Way

Is your "good idea" actually God’s will? In this reflection, C. Atkinson shares a personal story of a canceled trip to Jamaica that revealed a deeper lesson in obedience. Discover why a life of wisdom often requires us to ignore our feelings, embrace "roadblocks," and realize that God's timing—even in times of mourning—is always more valuable than our best-laid plans.

C. Atkinson

2/25/20253 min read

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“A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born. Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies—so the living should take this to heart.” — Ecclesiastes 7:1-2 (NLT)

Praise the name of Jesus! As the old song says, “Praise Him, He is worthy to be praised, from the rising of the sun until the going down of the same.” It is a joy to connect with you again, my beloved readers. Isn't the Lord faithful? He continues to perfect everything He has started in us, calling us to seek Him with all our hearts and grow in the wisdom of His truth.

The Treasure of Good Judgment

“A Life of Wisdom” is the prayer I carry for both you and me. According to Proverbs 4:7-13, getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do. It is a crown of beauty and a key to a long, good life. But how do we know when the Lord is actually directing us into this lifestyle?

Often, we learn wisdom through our mistakes. We make decisions we think are best, only for the Lord to graciously place roadblocks in our way to reroute us back to His perfect will.

The Trip that Wasn't

Last year, I felt a desperate need for a vacation. When I saw a flyer for a women’s convention in Jamaica, I jumped at the chance. Without praying or seeking God, I booked my ticket. But almost immediately, an internal tug-of-war began. I felt a deep sense of discomfort because I knew I hadn't put God first. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and only then will everything else be added to us.

Despite my flaws, God loves us enough to intervene. I prayed for His will to be done, and soon after, the trip was canceled. At first, it seemed like a disappointment, but then tragedy struck—a death in the family. The funeral was scheduled for the exact same weekend as the convention.

Someone might argue, "But a women's convention is a good thing!" However, God’s will always supersedes our "good" ideas. He wanted me with my family, providing comfort and prayer, rather than at a retreat. He led me to Ecclesiastes 7:2, reminding me that there is more wisdom to be found in the house of mourning than in the house of feasting. It’s not about what we think is best; it’s about what God says.

Living as a Prisoner of Christ

When we say "yes" to Jesus, our lives are no longer our own. The Apostle Paul described himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus—he lived with no apologies for his total surrender. To live a life of wisdom, we must:

Be Careful: Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Make the Most of Time: Understand that these days require spiritual alertness (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Obey Even When It Hurts: True wisdom is found in fearing God and keeping His commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

The Fragrance of Wisdom

We live in a time where right is called wrong and wrong is called right. In this confusing world, the Bible is our only reliable compass.

Look at Mary in John 12. She took a jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. To the world (and to Judas), this looked like a waste. But to Jesus, it was a beautiful act of wisdom and devotion. Mary valued what would last forever, while others valued the price tag.

Let "A Life of Wisdom" be your daily aim. Let us value what God values, looking forward with joy to an eternal life with Jesus Christ.

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you always! Have a wonderful weekend in Jesus' name.