Our second post in an ongoing series right here on the blog: Roger Gerstl, a staff member who recently found his way to Delanco, has been willing to share his testimony with us. If you would like to share your testimony or what God’s been teaching you with us, email blog@delanco.org with blog testimony in the subject line.
——–
For most of my life, I was fighting to keep control of my own destiny. I was saved as a teenager. There is no question in my mind that I truly accepted Christ, but I didn’t quite give Him the control and influence over my decisions and life that I should have. To put it in automotive terms, I let the Holy Spirit ride in my car, but I wouldn’t let him drive. I wanted to be in control. This did not end up working out quite as I had planned. God has a funny way of working things out sometimes. Two summers ago, I attended Delanco Camp for the first time. My experience at Delanco ended up being the single biggest turning point in my relationship with Christ since I was saved.
While volunteering at camp, I truly experienced Christ and got a taste of what He has planned for me. I loved every second of it. God not only opened my eyes to what He has in store for me, but He also challenged me at camp. God pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was living for God, and it was wonderful. After camp, I realized I can’t navigate life by myself. I embraced not only that the Holy Spirit is in me, but is there to help and guide me in my choices and my life. For the first time since my salvation, I truly yielded and let God have control. This surrender has shaped and blessed my life in countless ways. I instantly became more involved in my faith and my church. I started helping with the youth group, grew more diligent with my reading and prayer life, and was just happier.
Since making the stand to live for Christ, my life has never been better. I have the honor and responsibility of being a youth leader to two wonderful youth groups, am part of a growing and spiritually active church, and have been blessed with great life experiences including the opportunity to go to graduate school. What makes all of this so amazing is I am not a perfect person. I make mistakes and have not always lived the life of a disciple of Christ. By the gift of God’s grace, I am redeemed and used by the kingdom. The difference in my life is immeasurable. I have purpose. I matter. I am loved and continually blessed by my Maker. Now that I have relinquished my life to Him, I get so much more out of it. By losing my control, I had found my destiny.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
-Galatians 2:20
