Stepping out of 2022 and into 2023

As I leave 2022 behind, God has reminded me of both the blessings and the trials I've gone through in 2022. We are all joyful over the blessings but often more times than not, we aren't joyful over the trials. Trials are hard but they do have significant meanings. They are meant to take us to the next level even if only to prove to ourselves that we are overcomers. Who or what we trust in during the trials tells who or what we place our hope, faith and trust in, if anything at all.

So as I reflect back on the many trials I've had to go through in 2022, I know that God was always with me through it all and the trials brought me closer to Him and to others when I allowed them to.. and when I tried to do it my way, those trials taught me great lessons that I will cherish for they took me to a new level. A level that had even greater challenges to overcome yet I also had new tools in which to use to overcome them all.

My faith has grown stronger in 2022. I've learned to speak up more in some areas of my life and and yet be quiet more in other areas. Yes, 2022 has taught me what I'm willing to put up with and what I'm not. It's taught me not to try things on my own and then seek God for help, but to seek God first and in doing so, I may just overcome that trial the first time.

Saying goodbye is an easy thing to do for the year 2022 because I've got my sights set on higher ground. Although the year 2023 will come with its own sets of challenges, I know that God has been preparing me for those challenges in the year 2022.

I also know that I'm not leaving God behind. He is with me always and so I'll step bravely into the year 2023 and face the trials with more hope, more faith and more belief in God and in myself.. and together we will meet each challenge with a new perspective.

I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know my God holds my tomorrow in His hands. As I pray fervently on my knees, asking God to lead me into 2023, I'll be grateful for both the blessings and the trials, for He has always been and is always with me.