what God taught me in 2023!
HAPPY 2024 FRIENDS!
Can you believe it’s 2024? What a year 2023 was. The Lord blessed me with many great opportunities, many great friends, and many great memories.
Take a moment to reflect on what He did for you!
I learned so much about Jesus, and from Jesus. I want to share with you all three things God taught me in 2023 and I pray they encourage you as they did me!
1. He is with you. You will be okay.
I would be lying if I said 2023 was all rainbows and butterflies. In March of 2023, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. I was unhealthy, full of fear, and detested who I was, but hearing the word “Anorexia” is what helped me gain my life back. The day after my diagnosis, I woke up to the Lord saying (something along the lines of) “You are going to be okay. I’m going to be with you.”
You always hear that when God speaks to you, it aligns with His Word and one of my life verses is Isaiah 41:10-
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God told me “I will be with you”, just as Isaiah 41:10 says.
From that day forward, I walked through each day, each trial, each hardship, knowing He was with me. Now, not even a year later, I am healthy, continuing to regain my confidence, and living for Jesus.
Friend, He is with You. The Almighty God is with you. He will never, ever, ever leave you. When you walk through the darkest valleys, He is with you (Psalm 23:4). So do not fear, remember His promise.
2. Trust Him, His timing, His reason.
This is so much easier said than done. I think most of us have pondered the question, “How do I possibly trust Him in this situation.” I have learned that I must have faith, have hope. It is possible, yet it is hard. In moments when it feels like everything is crashing down, everything is changing, and everything is out of control- He is the same. He knows the outcome. He is in control.
I’m sure you’ve heard this verse before, but sit on it for a second, re-read it, and to remember it, write it on a sticky note and stick it somewhere where you will see it.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your understanding,
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
He has a plan. He has a time. He has a reason.
3. It's all a gift, it's all a blessing.
This may sound cliche, but what a gift this life is. We are sinful human beings who are so blessed with the goodness of God. Our God is so good and gracious and faithful and loving and, oh my word, the list goes on.
I have learned this year that every little thing is a gift. From the books I get to read, to having a loving family.
We shouldn’t take a single second of this life for granted. What a joy it is to be here on earth temporarily and then go home to Heaven forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
Pray with me.
Oh God, thank You. Thank You for the beauty of this life. Thank You for every day we get to wake up. You are more than good. I pray, Father, that we will never take a breath for granted. I pray that You will help us to never forget Your goodness and help us to always praise You, no matter what. As we look towards 2024, I pray that you will keep us all healthy, safe, and protected in Your arms. Help us to trust Your plan, Your time, and Your reason. In whatever this year brings, let Your glory be known and let Heaven grow crowded.
We love You, we thank You. Amen.
