The past few weeks have felt like whirlwind of busyness and it has felt like I have had difficulty even catching my breath. This, however, does not mean I am not enjoying it, because I have so much fun in the activities that are filling up my schedule (besides homework, of course;).) But when so many great things fill my time, it does not leave me with much stillness to rest in and to sit and just think. I have found my time to think intentionally has become the time I spend in my car.
I have always loved music and love listening to music in the car, however, I have noticed I have neglected to plug in my phone to my car and play music the past few weeks. I realized it was because my mind was spending this time in the car, when I was unable to do anything else, reflecting on the things going on in my life. I now love my time in the car. It is a time of connection in relationship with others while being disconnected from the immediate world around me. This is the time I use to be intentional with the relationships back home I miss. Many uplifting conversations and stories of God’s faithfulness have been shared through my time “alone” in the car.
But more often than not, my time in the car is spent in silence, in reflection, and in prayer consumed with overwhelming thankfulness; and it is spent in relationship with God. It was during one of these drives God brought to my mind a new lesson I had not thought about Him teaching me before. It is the simple phrase, “His ways are better than our own.” We hear this all the time, but how powerful it is when the truth of this reality actually hits you in your core! His plan and ways are so much wiser than anything I could ever plan for myself. This truth has lead me to an amazing and beautiful place that I wouldn’t want any other way.
He has said, “No” to things I would have said were beneficial, amazing things and I would have screamed, “YES” to. My life has taken paths I never would have chosen for myself. I am not in relationships I would have thought best for me. I have lost friendships that I thought should have been God’s plan for me. My life is far from what I pictured. Why then am I the happiest I have ever been when my life is full of No’s from God that felt like a slap in the face? Because His ways are far better than my own and He always has my best interest in mind. These are not “Sunday school answers.” These are peace-filled and life-changing truths!
In everything taken away from me, I have been given so much more. I have been able to focus on Him. I have found a community I probably would not have sought otherwise. I have grown and learned amazing lessons that can only be brought on through trials and God’s faithfulness throughout them. I would not change any “No” that God has given to me because in His No’s, far greater Yes’s have been given. When one door is shut, five more are opened. Our God is a good God who wants what is best for us. I can say this as many times as I want to you, but the realization will not be made for yourself until you take the time to reflect on the No’s in your own life. It has taken me eighteen years to truly believe in my heart His “No” is for my own good even though I had heard it hundreds of times. We serve an amazing God and why should I ever doubt Him again when He tells me “No.”
Our God is a good God who wants what is best for us. I can say this as many times as I want to you, but the realization will not be made for yourself until you take the time to reflect on the No’s in your own life. It has taken me eighteen years to truly believe in my heart His “No” is for my own good even though I had heard it hundreds of times. We serve an amazing God and why should I ever doubt Him again when He tells me “No.”
The word “No” is not a punishment but an abundant blessing. That word should cause our hearts to soar with faithfulness. Because “No” means our God is watching out for us and for our wellbeing. We are so much happier when God says “No” than if He were to say “Yes” to our every desire. Praise Him in the closed doors because His goodness and protection are guiding your life.
With love and grace,
Olivia Mars
LiveGrace 