I Have Ended My Search
I grew up in a family that believed in God in a distant and objective way. We attended church meetings occasionally and I was taught to pray by my grandmother. As I got older I pursued all the pleasures in the world, but continued to believe in God, periodically talking to Him. It wasn't until I was in college that I heard the gospel. A co-worker shared with me that Jesus Christ was God and that He wanted to live in me. Later that night I prayed “God I know you are real. Jesus, if you are God, I want you to come and live inside of me.” Immediately I had a strong sense within of peace and rest and I knew Jesus had come in.
My co-worker and his wife brought me to their church but it was difficult for me to connect the sermon with what had happened to me. I began to pray and search for a place where I could meet with other Christians. I wanted to be where God wanted me. My search continued for a number of years.
One day at the University of Washington I passed by a table with a sign for Bible studies. I intended to keep walking but something prompted me to turn around and sign up. I gave my name and number and then began to get together with another Christian student. We prayed together, read the Bible, and really just became spiritual companions. As I came to know her more, I admired her love for the Lord, knowledge of the Bible and the stability of her Christian walk (from the time of my salvation I had a difficult time pursuing the Lord in a steady way.)
My friend brought me to a church gathering for college students. It was less formal than what I had experienced in other places but I had the exact same sense of peace there that I had experienced at the time of my salvation. This became a confirmation to me that at last the Lord had answered my prayer. The other students around me were so free in expressing their love and enjoyment in the Lord. As I came week after week, I finally began to understand and love the Bible. It seemed there was a perfect match between this Jesus who had come inside of me, the Bible, and the church meetings. Since my first contact with the local churches until today, I have enjoyed a steady and solid growth in the Lord. I am eternally grateful.
Carolyn Stoebe | Back to List
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