What if I told you that everything you’ve been searching for—peace, purpose, healing, and joy—was within your reach right now?
What if I told you that the worst months of my life turned into the greatest blessing I could have ever imagined?
Stay with me. Because if you’re here, if you’re reading or listening, I believe this message is for you.
Let me start by saying—if you know me personally, you might be surprised to hear me standing here sharing this. Trust me, I’m just as surprised. But God works in ways we don’t expect, and here I am.
Just a short time ago, my life took a turn I never saw coming. My relationship ended. My heart broke. And then, I lost one of the most important people in my life—my grandma. A woman of faith, a woman of love, a woman whose presence alone could bring peace into a room.
And in the midst of all this pain, I had two choices:
I chose the second. And that’s when everything changed.
A friend of mine had been inviting me to church for a while. I always had excuses. "I already believe in God." "I grew up in church." "I know He’s real."
But the truth? I knew of God, but I didn’t know God.
And I was afraid. Afraid that if I got too close, I’d have to give things up. That I’d lose something. But what I didn’t understand was that I wasn’t giving up anything—I was gaining everything.
And then, in a moment I’ll never forget, my dad spoke a word that changed my life forever.
Jellyfish.
Yeah, I know—what? But stay with me.
It was part of a eulogy he gave for my grandma, and you can watch the full story on the website he created for her (sharynlarson.com). But what struck me most was how he described her: Be. Do. Give. Love.
She was rooted in Christ. She knew her identity in Him, and because of that, she loved with an abundance that could change a room. And in that moment, something inside me shifted. I realized:
When you know who you are in Christ, you don’t need validation from anyone or anything. Because He is enough.
For the first time, I wasn’t just believing in God—I was trusting Him.
And I saw something incredible: God didn’t just fix my problems—He transformed me.
I had spent so much time worrying about what I’d lose if I followed Him. But the truth? I was losing nothing and gaining peace, purpose, security, and joy.
And that joy wasn’t just a feeling—it was an unshakable foundation.
I know what some of you might be thinking:
Listen to me: God does not judge you the way the world does.
He sees you. He loves you. Right now, as you are.
James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” If Jesus—who was perfect—chose to die for us, how could we ever believe we’re beyond redemption?
The devil is real. Spiritual warfare is real. But here’s the best part: he already lost.
John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
When we let fear, doubt, and sin control us, we are handing victory to someone who has already been defeated. And that’s just unnecessary, don’t you think?
You have been given power in the name of Jesus Christ to rebuke every lie, every fear, every stronghold. And when you stand in His truth, you are unshakable.
So here’s my challenge to you: What are you waiting for?
Stop living for things that will fade. Stop chasing what will never satisfy.
Start seeking the one who created you, who loves you beyond anything you can comprehend. Start living in the truth that you are chosen, loved, redeemed, and made for more.
And if you don’t believe me?
I challenge you—just ask Him. Seek Him. Open your heart. Because when you do, I promise you, everything will change.
My life isn’t perfect. I still have struggles. But the difference? I am not walking alone.
Jesus is coming back. Please repent for your sins. Because God loves you, Jesus loves you, and I love you.
I am secure in who I am. I am loved. I am free.
And so are you. You just have to say yes.
Thanks for reading / listening.
Love,
Maddie