Overcoming Frustration – Karla’s Testimony

Some time ago, Karla shared this journey with me. As you follow how she overcame her own frustrations, anger, and shame, what is holding you down? What is holding you back today? Here is her story in her own words:

Karla’s Frustration

I grew up without a father’s influence and role model in my life, like many out there who are suffering or have experienced the same.

My mom, who I love so much, did everything she could to take both roles and be the provider of the house. She did everything she could, but she was without God’s guidance. She took on a role for which she was not made for and most of the times left her feeling frustrating and angry as she didn’t know God back then.

Resentment And Anger

I grew up resenting the absence of my father. I have a memory of me crying in my small bed as a four-year-old and saying “Dad, come back. Where is daddy?” I had an emptiness in my heart as the yearn to have a father whom I could run to when I felt afraid or when I needed his advice wasn’t there.

The anger, the shame, the rejection I felt from my father and his family poisoned my heart to the point that it burn inside of me. It was a consuming hatred and I said that I would never forgive my father no matter what. Even if he came crawling, I wouldn’t have had mercy on him as he didn’t have on a 4-year-old who he had left alone. I never thought I would need a father.

BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS…..

I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 17-years-old, November 2012. Oh, I cry right now as I remember how Jesus cleaned my heart. He saved my soul, He healed my wounds, my broken heart, and all the anger, pain, resentment, bitterness, and rejection I had in it. 

Psalms 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”.

I forgave my father for abandoning my mother and me. I released all the pain and anger that I had felt for years since childhood. And God took control in my life.

He has given me joy and happiness.????My life is now full of Him, of the creator of all things ????Thank You, Jesus????

Bible Verses

In your own frustration and anger today, is there someone you have yet to truly forgive?Here are some verses to meditate on.

Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Matthew 18: 21-22 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”

Matthew 6: 14-15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I’ve struggled to truly release and forgive. But Lord, soften my heart. Let me be able to forgive as you have forgiven me. Keep me close to You, Lord. Fill me with Your passion. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.