by Maddie Fischer | Jan 23, 2026 | Featured, Life Advice, LO Library
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24–25 ESV
If you fear you are falling behind in life, remember this: Surrender may not lead you as fast and as far as you want to go from the perspective of earthly success, but it keeps you in step with the One who has the best plan for your life.
I wholeheartedly believe (and am living proof) that God wants to and will bless us, and that His plans for us are so good. But He is most concerned with us becoming more like Him. True fulfill-ment is found only in knowing and following Jesus.
I am learning that I don’t need to know as much as I think to move forward in what God has called me to. Does anyone remember the song “Following the Leader” from Peter Pan? It says we follow wherever the leader may go. That’s it. We don’t always have to know where we are going, what step to take next, or what to do. We simply must stay in step with the One we are following wherever He leads.
I recognize that some of you may be in seasons where you have decisions to make or are seeking clarity on what steps to take. My encouragement to you would be to diligently seek the One you are following above all else. Live a life of obedience to Him.
Sometimes He will give you very specific directions. Other times, you will have to step forward and decide or go in a direction with a simple desire to honor Him in all that you do.
In a culture that’s saturated by social media, it’s easy to associate following Jesus with these big, extravagant moments. There’s a place for those moments, but often, following Him looks like the simple and mundane. It looks like the decisions made when no one else is watching. It’s all miraculous because of who He is. Be less consumed with the “what,” “where,” and “when” and be more consumed with the “who” it’s all about. As you remain uncompromising in your decision to follow Jesus (living in obedience to His Word and His voice), you will look back and see His faithfulness in ordering your every step—even when you felt like you lacked clarity and felt you were behind.
If you are following Him, you are not falling behind. You are right on time.
by Maddie Fischer | Oct 21, 2025 | Featured, Life Advice, LO Library
Happy fall, friends! We are in my favorite month and my favorite season. I just love October! The crisp mornings. The cozy outfits. The colorful leaves. What about you? What’s your favorite season and what makes it your favorite?
The changing of seasons has me thinking about and feeling so thankful for the God who designed and determines these changes.
This SLOW (🫠) transition from summer to fall keeps bringing this scripture to my mind;
“The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (AMP)
Let’s be honest, if we had it our way, most of us would move through seasons and transitions much more quickly than He does. In fact, we would keep the ones we don’t prefer or that cause pain out altogether. We have our preferences, and we prefer that Jesus submit to them, especially when it comes to our personal lives. Instead, we are called to submit to His process as we are His followers, not the other way around.
In order to submit to His plan and process, we have to be confident that His thoughts are higher and His ways are better (Isaiah 55:8-9). We also have to understand that He is intentional in everything He does and designs. In this context and through this truth, we are reminded that every season, both physically and spiritually, serves an intentional purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says,
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up, a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”
What we often perceive as the Lord being slow to His promise is actually His love, kindness and patience on display…we just have to shift our perspective from earthly to eternal. He is often fulfilling His promises in ways we can’t see or understand from our limited perspective. Isn’t that an amazing thought to consider?
When we find ourselves growing increasingly impatient, we can begin to thank Him for His process and intentionality. We have an opportunity to thank Him for what He is doing that we can’t always see or understand, even when it’s uncomfortable, and even painful. These prayers of faith will grow and stretch us in amazing ways if we pray them with sincerity.
I feel led to challenge you to consider what you are wishing away. I would dare to say that sometimes we are wishing away the very thing that God is using to reveal Himself to us or to produce something good and necessary within us. These experiences help to grow us into who He has created us to be and what He has called us to do.
When you feel restless, ask Him to help you recognize what He is revealing to you in the moment. Remember that His process always aligns with His desire for none to perish and all to come to repentance. Although He cares about our personal and individual lives more than we can imagine, we can’t forget that we are a part of a bigger, eternal picture! When we look at seasons and circumstances, even the most difficult ones, through that lens, the wait is worth it.
The times of transition and change are often the ones that teach us to remain reliant on the One who never changes. They keep us anchored in truth when feelings fade. They challenge us to surrender and lead us to a place of deeper trust in Jesus. They help rid us of complacency and produce patience with us.
Fruit can’t grow without seasons and producing fruit is what we are called to do as believers. The seasons are vital to life itself all around us! So when you are like me and you wish it would be fall, but it seems like summer will never end… begin to thank Jesus for His intentional purpose for summer.
More importantly, when you find yourself in the difficult seasons of life and it feels like they will never end, thank Jesus for how He is intentionally working to produce good things in the midst of the challenge you are facing – both the things you can and cannot see.
Because – before you know it, the next season will come and you will be wishing again for what’s next. It’s the way He has designed it, for seasons to change. The evidence of His hand at work is in it all. He is purposeful and intentional in all He designs. Your life and story are no exception to this unchanging truth.
Through it all, He is constant. Through it all, He is faithful.
by Maddie Fischer | Sep 25, 2024 | Bible Reading / Study, Featured, Hope, Trust
If you are reading these words, I know it’s not by coincidence. I trust that God is intentional and perfect in all of His ways. I write them with tear filled eyes and in complete awe of His goodness. I wish I could catch you up to the point in my story where writing this devotional came to be. Maybe someday I will, but for now I’ll sum it up by saying that one step of surrender after another has led me to this moment.
More often than not, I haven’t known where I was going, but with every surrendered step, I grow in confidence that the One I am following surely will not lead me astray. Jesus never has and He never will. The more I follow Him, the more my trust in His goodness increases. I move forward continually in the decision that I will follow Him wherever He leads, no matter the cost. It is costly, but I can assure you that the reward is far greater than the cost. His way has rarely led me to the expected road, but He has been faithful with every step.
I can’t tell you how your story will unfold, but I can assure you that the best things in this life will come as a result of knowing, trusting, and following Jesus, not the easiest things, but the best, most abundant things. Proverbs 3:5-6 has become such a thematic passage in my life, selected out of the realization that only in complete surrender have I experienced the abundance of knowing and walking with Jesus. I desire for everyone to experience that abundance. I can’t live it out for you, but I can share my experiences, point you in His direction and encourage you to wholeheartedly follow Him. That’s my heart behind this devotion, to provide you with a resource to grow in understanding who Jesus is, what His word says, and what that means for you personally.
Wherever you find yourself in this journey of taking Him at His word, I pray that as you read these pages that you will grow in knowledge of the truth, boldness to live out and proclaim it, and love for the One who it’s all about. Jesus, this is all about Jesus. I pray that as you prioritize dwelling in His presence daily that you will experience the evidence of His goodness undeniably and that He will increase your desire to live a life that points people in His direction.
There is nothing better than a relationship with Your Creator, Savior, Father, and closest friend– it’s what you were created for. His word, applied, delivers. It never returns void.
He will be found faithful to His word and true to His character in the lives of those who know Him and follow His lead. His plans for you are good and they will prevail.
Over the next 60 days, I invite you along this journey of knowing Jesus more than you did before. I challenge you to be sincere in seeking, honest in reflection, and expectant for His truth to begin or continue to transform your heart and your life as you apply it.
I know first-hand that if you give Him your wholehearted yes, He will do more with it for His glory than you could have ever imagined. You, holding this book in your hand is proof.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Day 1 – Know, Trust, + Follow
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
[[headings are located immediately following scripture]] There is nothing better than knowing, trusting and following Jesus. You will find Him faithful to His character and true to His word in your life.
Let me invite you into the process of titling this devotional because it was very intentional. Generally speaking, you can’t trust someone you don’t know, and you won’t follow someone you don’t trust. Therefore, this journey has to begin and end with knowing Jesus. It’s one thing to know of someone, but it’s another to know them personally. There is a huge difference between acquaintanceship and relationship.
Too many people, yes even people who are raised in the church, spend their lives knowing of Jesus, but outside of personal relationship with Him. I can only imagine how it breaks His heart. Jesus doesn’t want to be your acquaintance; He wants to be your closest friend. Not only does He desire a relationship with His children, but as long as any one of us lives outside of relationship with Him, we are missing out on what we are made for.
Without knowing Him personally, we can’t graduate to the adventure of trusting and following Him. If you don’t know Jesus personally, He is inviting you to make the best decision you’ve ever made of getting to know Him. If you do know Him, He wants to grow deeper in relationship with you daily, equip you to introduce others to Him, and lead you further along the path of His perfect plan for your life. He will be faithful to complete what He has started in you.
The more you know Jesus, the more your life will be transformed by the truth of His word. It’s a never-ending process on this side of Heaven. A life of surrender is a life lived in response to your knowledge of who God is and trust in what He says. The evidence of us truly knowing Him is our willingness to do what He instructs. Everything He instructs is intentional and purposeful. Are we living lives that reflect our trust in that promise?
Continually exchange your own plan and preference for whatever He has in mind. Your own plan will fail you, but He never will. God’s ways are higher than our minds can comprehend. You may not always know or understand what He is doing, but if you know, trust, and follow Him, He will leave you continually in awe of His goodness. Ask yourself this question today, “If my obedience to God’s word is the evidence of my love for Him, am I living like I love Him?”
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.” 1 John 2:3 NIV
Prayer: “Jesus, grow me in the knowledge of who you are and the application of your word to my life. Thank you that as I follow You, You are leading me step by step. Amen.”
Thank Him for who He is and what He has done, ask Him for what you are believing for and to make you more like Him today.
Reflection/Application: What have you put before your desire to know Jesus more?
How do you want to grow in knowing, trusting, and following Him in the days to come?
TRUST + FOLLOW: a 60 day devotional to know Jesus more is available (most) everywhere books are sold. Here is the link to order on amazon:
by Maddie Fischer | May 14, 2024 | Finances, Life Advice, LO Library, Wisdom
There are so many amazing stories of faith from Genesis to Revelation, but one of my personal favorites is found in Mark 12:41-44 (also referenced in Luke 21:1-4). While it’s not the most talked about and might not be considered the most significant in comparison to others, I love the way that a seemingly small act of faith catches Jesus’ attention and moves His heart. It’s a reminder that what we often see as insignificant is of great value to God. Take a moment to read this story of the Widow’s offering:
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”” Mark 12:41-44 NIV
Through this passage, we are reminded that Jesus desires an offering of everything, not just an offering of much. Let me explain…
If we’re honest, we have all been guilty of being like the rich people mentioned in this story at times. Maybe not with our finances specifically, but with anything else of value to us personally; our time, talent, or treasure as it’s often said. While we might bring large amounts before the Lord, which are met with earthly applause, He sees and knows our hearts. The reality is that we can give a lot to Jesus, but still be withholding what is of most value to us from Him. We can give often, but with the wrong motive or misintention.
I’m reminded through this widow’s offering that more than Jesus desires the gift itself, He desires for us to bring what is costly to us before Him, not just what is comfortable or convenient. He’s not moved by what impresses man nor is He after riches for riches sake. Our hearts are far more valuable to His eyes than our tangible treasure.
What’s so beautiful to me about this story is that the offering the poor woman gave had less earthly value than what the rich individuals gave, but in the eyes of the One who was receiving the gift, her offering was far more valuable, celebrated, and gladly received. Why? Because although she didn’t have much, in faith, she gave everything she had.
She didn’t just give an offering of tangible treasure. She gave an offering of obedience. She gave the gift of surrender.
If you feel that you don’t have much to give, I have good news for you. Your everything is enough even if its value seems small in comparison to what others have to offer. How do I know? The widow’s offering. Jesus is less moved by your ability to give a large amount and more moved by your willingness to give your all, even if it’s not much. He longs for and is pleased by faith that withholds nothing from Him, believing that He is worthy and trustworthy. That’s the kind of currency the Kingdom rejoices over.
The only way you will give Him your all is if and when you put Him in His rightful place in your life. Making a decision to live wholeheartedly for Jesus will move you from a place of wrestling to hold onto what you can to joyfully surrendering all, even when it’s not easy or doesn’t make sense.
I remember God once giving me this picture of me standing before Him with open, empty hands crying out “I have nothing else to give.” He replied, “Beautiful. That’s exactly where I want you.”
Shortly after, I read this story during a study we were doing at church and ever since then I’ve been truly changed by it.
I knew it didn’t mean He was going to take everything from me or leave me with nothing, but that He longed for my willingness to give everything if that’s what following Him required. I have and continue to learn through living it that surrender is beautiful, freeing, and at times, excruciatingly painful… but ALWAYS worth it and more rewarding than what it requires.
I pray that if and when you find yourself in the tension of trying to hold onto what’s most valuable to you that you will remember the story of this widow’s offering and the way it moved Jesus’ heart. So much so that He even told His closest friends about it and taught them through it.
Again, there are so many amazing stories of faith, but of all of them, I pray my life is a reflection of this poor widow’s story. While I may not know her name, I know she moved Jesus’ heart in a way that He took note of it. For her, that was enough.
May we live by her example… not ruled by the desire for our names to be known or our stories to be told, but live lives of simple, sincere surrender to our Savior because we truly believe that He alone is worthy of it all.
I’ll leave you with this: “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 MSG Don’t just give Jesus an offering of much, give Him an offering of everything.
Maddie‘s devotional “TRUST + FOLLOW: a 60 day devotional to know Jesus more” is releasing September 24th and is now available for pre-order! If you desire to draw closer to Jesus, grow in your understanding of His Word, and deepen your trust in Him, this is the perfect resource for you! Clink the link to pre-order or for more information.
by Maddie Fischer | Nov 28, 2023 | Identity, Life Advice, Purpose & Calling
Have you ever doubted or questioned the calling, purpose, or instruction God has given you? Have you ever felt crippled by insecurity, uncertainty, or fear? If so, you’re not alone.
I recently started reading the book of Jeremiah. It’s one of my favorite books in the Old Testament. His life and story provides an amazing example of what we should do when we face these doubts and feel hindered in stepping forward into our God-given purpose. To the one who feels held back by insecurity when it comes to doing what God has called or instructed you to do, these words are for you. I pray that through them, you are encouraged and challenged to step forward in obedience into all that He has for you. As a result, I believe you will see Him do what only He can do in and through you.
The book of Jeremiah begins with an interaction between Jeremiah and the Lord,
“The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” Jeremiah 1:4-9
As God shares the purpose for which He created Jeremiah and set him apart, Jeremiah doesn’t respond to this calling with confidence, assurance, and excitement. He responds with doubt, hesitation, and insecurity in his own ability to fulfill the purpose for which he has been created and set apart. Jeremiah believes that God is unable to speak through him because of his young age.
Instead of agreeing with Jeremiah’s insecurity, the Lord tells him not to be hindered or identified by it. Jeremiah’s doubt in himself didn’t change God’s mind about the assignment He had given him. He simply goes on to guide him in how to overcome the doubts he is facing and step into his calling. God meets Jeremiah’s hesitant response with two commands and two promises.
God commands Jeremiah:
(1) To go where He tells him to go (2) To say what He has called Him to say.
God’s promises to Jeremiah are:
(1) That He will be with Him and (2) That He will protect him.
He also reminds Jeremiah that He Himself is watching over His word to perform it and that it’s simply Jeremiah’s job to speak it. If you continue reading through this book, you will ultimately find that Jeremiah decided to do what God had called him to do even in the face of his insecurity. He chose to put his trust in God’s ability even though he felt unqualified. As a result, God used him in a mighty way – to speak and stand for truth in a culture that was consumed by sin and had turned from God (sound familiar?). Jeremiah faced many challenges, but He held fast to God’s Word; and as a result, God performed His Word as He promised through Jeremiah’s life.
As I read this interaction, I couldn’t help but feel that some of you, like Jeremiah, are living hindered, stuck, and frustrated by lack of confidence in your ability to do what God has called you to do. Whether it’s your age, your past, lack of experience, lack of resources, uncertainty about how to begin, fear of failure, or something else, I believe there is so much to be learned through Jeremiah’s life. I want to remind you that you aren’t alone and also encourage you to take God at His word despite how you currently feel and the obstacles you are faced with.
Just like Jeremiah, your Creator knit you together in your mom’s womb for the purpose of knowing Him and His glory being revealed in and through your life. Your specific calling may be different from his, but you have been called and set apart for Kingdom purpose at this moment in time. You may feel uncertain of this reality, but the One who created it is not. He loves you and has an intentional, abundant plan for you.
Your doubt doesn’t change God’s mind about the purpose for which He has created you. Instead of being identified by your insecurity, He is calling you to move forward in confidence in His ability to perform His Word if you will live in obedience to His instruction. Remember that the pressure of the outcome doesn’t fall on you, but you are responsible for your obedience to His voice. Put your focus on obedience, put the rest in His hands.
He doesn’t command you to go where He has called you to go and do what He has called you to without the promise that He is with you and for you. As you say “yes” to your purpose, remember these things from the life of Jeremiah:
ONE – your insecurity doesn’t change God’s mind about the plan and purpose He has for your life. Embrace what He has called you or instructed you to do instead of trying to talk Him (or yourself) out of it.
TWO – it’s less about your own ability, or lack of, and more about our trust in His ability. Put your trust in His ability over your insecurity when it comes to your purpose. Nothing is too hard for God.
THREE – go where He calls. Trust His leadership even when you don’t understand. He knows where He is leading and what He is doing.
FOUR – speak what He has called you to speak. Share His Word and live it out even if it’s unpopular and no matter how it is received by those around you.
FIVE – remember that He is with you and for you. This is all you really need to know to continue to move forward in faith.
Lastly, remember that you are not called to fulfill God’s Word, that’s His job. You are called to share His word and live it out. Don’t live hindered by insecurity, live in confidence in God’s ability to perform His Word and keep His promise as he uses you as a vessel. You are no exception to God’s ability to use imperfect and unlikely people to carry out His plan.
Trust Him, and with every step, let your confidence be in His faithfulness.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
Application challenge – read the rest of the book of Jeremiah! Identify something that God has called or instructed you to do and an insecurity that is hindering you from stepping forward in obedience. Ask Him to help you trust His ability over your insecurity and to guide you in what step to take. Set a goal to take a step!
Maddie is a wife, worship leader, and writer. Her passion is pointing people to Jesus, following wherever He leads, and encouraging others to do the same. A few of her favorite fun things are rainy days, road trips, coffee shops, flower trucks & gold confetti.
Keep up with Maddie on Instagram @maddiee_joy!
