Looking back over my life, my teen years were much like a roller coaster. I experienced such anticipation of what the future would hold for me: fun and laughter with my friends, a sense of achievement as I entered college, as well as overwhelming joy and love when I met Jesus and asked Him into my life. There were also times when I experienced hurt and fear; I thought I'd never be able to get up again, breathe again, dream again. Overcoming disappointment was one of the biggest life lessons of my teen years. Disappointment can be crippling. It can cause you to let go of all your dreams and visions.

My father left when I was 16. He'd been the person in my life who had implanted many of the dreams inside my heart. He'd tell me that if I put my mind to it, I could do anything. I believed him with everything that was in me. However, when Dad left, disappointment came and overwhelmed me. I began to let go of all the dreams I had built my life upon.

I thought, Without a dream you won't feel the tremendous pain of failure or rejection. If there is nothing to live for, then nothing can hurt you.

I began to entertain these thoughts within my mind. I could feel my heart slowly slipping into a dull ache. I began to think my life was worthless; I was headed nowhere. Even when people tried to encourage me, I wouldn't believe them. After all, look what happened to me when I believed my dad. Instead, it became so easy to embrace the negative thoughts that came my way. Thoughts such as you're useless; you'll never amount to anything; you're a nobody; you're a loser.

It wasn't until I had an encounter with Jesus that I turned from the destructive path I was on. Romans 10:11 says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Those words were like medicine for my aching soul.

I'll never forget the tears that ran down my face the day I gave my heart to Jesus. They were tears of joy, relief and healing. For the first time in my life, I'd found Someone who would never leave me. He'd never lie. He'd always be there for me. It was then that I began to pick up the new plans and dreams that God had for my life. Looking back, I never realized how awesome and incredible the things God had for me were. They have - and still - are going beyond my wildest imaginings, highest thoughts or prayers.

Whatever you might be experiencing at the moment, don't let disappointment overwhelm you. Rather, commit your life wholeheartedly to Jesus and let Him begin to paint a wonderful portrait on the canvas of your life. Let the power of forgiveness bring release in your situation, surrender afresh to Him and watch Him turn around the most hopeless situations, just as He did in my life.

For more info about the Planetshakers' ministry check out their site at planetshakers.com.