Forget the Details in 2023

The part of the Christmas story that can sometimes be overlooked is that it was only the beginning. After Jesus’s birth, there were still thirty (probably very long) years of waiting until he started his ministry. It was another three years until his excruciating sacrifice was completed. Now, 2000-plus years later, some people still don’t know or believe in him. The point is, good things take time. And there are usually a lot of difficulties before those things come to fruition. We want so badly to fast-forward through the hard times, God uses hard times to grow our character. We would love to know all that is going to happen, every twist, turn, dip and climb, but that would be walking by facts, not by faith.

I’m a planner. I love to know what to expect and how long to expect it, and I prepare in advance for it. While most people might not be as detail-oriented, it is safe to assume that we all would like to know at least the bullet points of how the next year will go, and maybe even the trajectory of our entire life’s story if possible.

But Jesus said, “Follow me,” and he never promised to provide any details. He knew what his entire journey on earth would entail—all the pain, hardships, and betrayals. Yet, even he still asked if there was another way. The disciples didn’t know what to expect. They fumbled through the daily plan of where’d they’d stay, who’d they’d talk to, and what they’d eat. They left everything to follow Jesus without needing specifics.

I honestly think we all can admit we can’t be trusted with the details of our journey. Part of the reason he doesn’t want us to know is because every step is an exercise in faith. It’s also so we don’t get in our own way (or God’s). If I had known how my story would unfold so far, I would have dragged my feet, sabotaged each turn, and even started a debate about how I had in mind a much better way.

I have come to realize that the path God has guided me down is much better than the one I had planned. his journey for me, all the ups and downs, hard times, and joyful seasons, has made me a better person than I would be if things had gone my way. I know hearing that whatever hard season you might be in will make you stronger and that it’s molding you into a better person isn’t much comfort in the middle of that season.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Prov.19:21 NIV)

When we focus on the details, we miss the whole point. When we walk with Jesus, we don’t need details. We already know the ending, and it is heaven. No matter what happens, his plans for you are good. Where evil was intended, he will use it for your benefit. Nothing will be wasted. If you can trust him, you will gain more than you lose.

You can forget the details because you can trust the Creator.

At one point or another, life has rocked us, knocked us down, and held us there. Getting back up can be unbearable. But we tend to forget that God is with us on this journey, and he’s not expecting us to carry the burden alone. With this fresh opportunity to walk into 2023, let’s focus on a different kind of New Year’s Resolution. Instead of the same old “I’m going to lose weight,” or “I’m going to start working out,” let’s try something that allows God’s purpose for our lives to prevail. Maybe try resolving, “I’ll follow where God leads me.” I promise you, God’s will is going to happen either way, but there is more joy to be found as a willing participant rather than as a reluctant one.

If 2023 comes with hardships (as it inevitably will), do not lose hope. Just as the birth of Jesus was only the beginning, today and each day is only ever the beginning of the next step in your walk with God. Invite God to show you his path for you. Maybe ask him to carry a thing or two. We might not know what will happen in 2023, but we do know how things eventually end: in our ultimate victory.

Jess Gilardi was a mental health therapist in the school system before becoming the full-time chaos coordinator for her family (aka stay-at-home mom). She and her husband have three young kids. Jess started writing in hopes that by sharing her stories and lessons learned, she can help others learn “the easy way.”

Photograph © Aaron Burden, used with permission