Life on the Move

I was asked to share my testimony this week.  Here it is:

I grew up as an Air Force Brat. Since we moved around a lot, my family sought out the community and fellowship that came wiht being part of a local church.  It seemed like we were at church every time the doors were open.  I realized at an early age that I had made mistakes; I fought with my brother, told lies and put myself before others.  I asked for God’s forgiveness and asked Him to be Lord of my life. Romans 10:9 says “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.”  Because of this decision I will now spend eternity in Heaven.

Being the new girl wasn’t always easy.  We had lived in Nebraska almost 4 years and I remember the night my dad told us we were moving to Virginia.  It felt like a whold world away and I didn’t want to leave my friends or all the things I was familiar with.  I cried and cried but God gave me this verse of encouragement : Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.  He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid do not be discouraged.” That move ended up being one of the defining moments in my walk with God. I had to rely fully on Him and He drew me so much closer to Him as I walked through this valley.

One of my most vivid memories as a young Christian is feeling the total encompassing love of God- like bright blinding sunlight pouring through the window; I felt God’s love pouring over me.  All my life I wanted to feel that love.  So many times I try to fill it on my own.  I could never find the perfect friendship of the ideal boyfriend to make me feel total and complete love.  I knew my parents and family loved me, yet I still sought to fill the void that only God could fill.  Once I learned to surrender that desire to Him, He not only filled the void, He poured His love out on me and filled my cup full to overflowing.  After finding true contentment in God it was then and only then that He gave me and earthly firend to help point me to Him.  God allowed that friendship to grow and in May of 2003 I married my best friend and helpmate Stephen Renfrow.

After Stephen completed medical school, we moved to Charlotte for his pediatric residency.  God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters and I strive every day to live a Godly example for them.  It isn’t easy - as most days I feel like a complete and total failure, the good news is- God’s mercies are new every morning and He knows the trials I am going through and He gives me the strength and patience to endure.

I still struggle with filling my life with idols- fitting in, selfishness, having the right clothes or hairdo, self image.  I’m far from perfect, but thankfully I serve a perfect God who sent His son to die for all of my sin.  Only God can give true contentment and ony He loves me amidst all my flaws.  Only God can make me feel total and complete love.  “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.

- Tracie