This time last year my most pressing issue was my work life. I prayed, a lot, for the staff, particularly my team. I prayed for peace and unity every morning and every evening, I thanked Jesus for allowing me to feel at peace, even if there was no peace to be felt in the building.
Tensions were high, people were struggling.
By May, I found myself extremely upset and disappointed. I learned that more changes were coming, and they were not what I had prayed for.
I chose to spend the summer prioritizing my time with Jesus and my family, in that order, choosing to leave the news of a new work team in the hands of God.
That was August’s problem after all, and it was only May.
Over June and July, I heard more about the changes that were coming, and more than once my coworker and I worried about what we were returning to. We couldn’t understand why God was leaving us behind and adding to our workload.
August came and at first, I disliked everyone on principle. I had not prayed for a new team, I prayed for my team to find peace and unity. I let the frustration of the situation drive me to Jesus, seeking answers. I wanted to understand. I continuously prayed.
I never could have imagined how everything would change, and my life with it.
In Octorber, the Holy Spirit introduced me to the prophet Jeremiah and I learned the ways of God do not make sense to the world. Yes, the new school year has been different, which takes some getting used to, but I learned different is not necessarily bad.
It is truly humbling to look back at where I was at the end of 2021 and see just how much has changed in such a short time.
I venture out into the world and take with me everything that God taught me in 2022 about surrender, trust and patience.
I entrust the new year to my creator, the one who does know what is coming in the days ahead and why and which changes have to be made.
To my surprise, today came with revelations, reminding me that God is in control of all things, and nothing is beyond his notice. I will continue to focus on my relationship with Jesus, prioritizing him above all else, trusting him to guide my steps, on that end 2023 will be no different than 2022 was.
The lessons will be different, and I will be better for them.
My goal for 2023, among the many, is to not just walk boldly in faith in my daily life, but to teach my children the ways of God so they can live by faith and not my sight.
I know more changes are coming, both at work and at home, I know I wont like everything that comes, I wont always understand what God is doing. I know some situations will be happy and others will be painful, but I look forward to it all because God has taught me that I can trusts the outcome when he is in charge.
So here is to a blessed 2023 with God in control and Jesus in the lead.
“But Jesus spoke to them at once ‘Don’t be afraid’, he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!”
Matthew 14:27 NLT
Psalms 73 