Maddox

Before I gave my life to Christ, I had no identity, direction, or purpose. I was prideful, I did not treat people as I should have, and I carried an emptiness because of my own sin. I looked to the world to fill what was missing, but it only left me emptier. Near the end of 2023, I prayed and invited Jesus into my life. I did not understand what I was saying, but I knew I was a sinner in need of a Savior. I believed that Jesus died for my sins and rose again, just as Romans 10:9 says. That night, I confessed Jesus as my Savior, but I was not yet living in full surrender to Him as Lord. The next year was one of the hardest seasons of my life. I battled the flesh and the Spirit, just as Galatians describes. I wanted Jesus, but I also wanted the world. For a long time, I kept choosing my flesh. There were many bumps along the road, but God used them to draw me closer to Him. Over time, the Lord showed me that I could not have both. It was either Jesus or the world. Life or death. Surrender or rebellion. At the end of 2024, God led me to move to Nebraska, and that became the beginning of a full pursuit of Christ. He changed my desires, priorities, relationships, and the direction of my life. Knowing Christ is more than saying a prayer. It is seeking Him in His Word, trusting Him when life is uncertain, and obeying Him when it is costly. It is knowing a Savior who sees every failure and still forgives, restores, corrects, and draws you back to Himself.

This is the gospel: God is holy, and we have all sinned against Him. We cannot save ourselves. But Jesus Christ lived the life we could not live, died on the cross in the place of sinners, and rose from the grave. Everyone who repents and trusts in Him is forgiven, made new, and given eternal life.

I do not share this to boast in myself. Any change in me is evidence of the patience, grace, and power of Jesus. To anyone who feels empty, broken, or lost: turn to Christ. He will forgive you, give you a new identity, and change your life.

“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” - Galatians 2:20