January 18 - Laurene Lundberg

Many people have a memorable and dramatic salvation experience, and I must say, I’ve always envied that. But God knows exactly the time and type of encounter you need with Him. When I think back, I can’t really remember a time when I didn’t know about Jesus. Being brought up and baptized in the Catholic Church, that would nearly be impossible. So I was raised knowing all the familiar characters, all the holy days, the regulations and the sacraments. I was told about everything I should know and believe and in my head and for the most part I did. Growing up I went to Catholic School. I loved the holidays and, now, looking back, always felt God with me. But, I was that kid in the class ALWAYS asking questions!!! When something was said and I didn’t understand, my hand would automatically go up! No shame here! So I got some explanations, but often times they ended with, “these are the mysteries of faith” Well that works for a while, but as I got older and wanted to do the things, I wanted to do, I got more and more restless. I felt like my questions were being put off.

So I put the thought of finding authenticity in godly things off to the side and went on to pursue my own life. I even went on to become a teacher and teach in a Catholic School. I taught those children about God, all the holidays, and the sacraments, I think I even taught them to question things deeply. I really did love Jesus, but sadly, I didn’t really know Him. And life went on….I got married, had children and did all the things we all dream of.

But God… I love those two words. God would always somehow be there. Occasionally I would seek Him, begin asking questions, and once again get that sentence “these are the mysteries of faith.”

Recently, I came across a quote by the great philosopher Jim Carrey. He said “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”

If I could summarize my testimony in one statement this would be it! Of course I didn’t get rich and famous the way Jim Carrey meant it but God really did give me everything I ever wanted: the loving husband, children, house, beautiful vacations and amazing once in a life experiences, and although each and every one of those blessings have been amazing, deep down inside, I always knew that those things weren’t the answer. It has also been said that “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” There is only one thing that can satisfy. I’m not talking about some half hearted attempt of going through the motions and hiding under a label. I’m talking a real and dynamic relationship with the Living God! If you have this unsatisfiable feeling in your life, seek Him! Not by reading books about Him, but by reading the Living Word of God! God tells us “you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:13

So, what was it that got me to finally KNOW Him? Well, it wasn’t that mystical experience I had always hoped for, and it wasn’t that God saved me from what earthly standards would deem a wretched life. It was that still small voice found in 1 Kings 19:11-13, and it was finally purposing myself to truly honestly seek Him and Pick up His Word and read ALL of it! Cover to Cover! All of it! When those parts came up that made no sense and I couldn’t understand, I would put them to the side and KEEP READING. And finally, through all those words I knew Him, invited Him to be Lord of my life, and now, I found the answers to just about all those questions, and I now know that I know, that I KNOW HIM.

So please don’t settle for just knowing about Him, truly seek Him with your whole heart. You WILL find Him! I can say that with certainty because He promises us we will, in His Word.

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” -Jeremiah 29:13