Betrayal Hurts, but God Restores
Betrayal is harsh, but the Lord is still good. Betrayal can be a harsh thing to swallow, even when it comes out of nowhere. I know that sometimes, as women of God,we wish life was easy, and that there were not any trials or problems. But that wouldn’t be realistic. Even in the Word of God, it clearly states we will go through many trials. And we can’t think they are uncommon.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - 1 Peter 4:12-13
Betrayal can come from friends, associates, or even people closest to us. It has no boundaries. And when it comes towards you, it makes no apologies. God doesn’t want you to be afraid when things don’t work out, or even when people disappoint you. He doesn’t want you to feel as if you are the only one who's ever experienced betrayal. I hate to break it to you, but you won’t be the first person to be betrayed. And you won’t be the last. Even Jesus Christ had many experiences with betrayal.
Matthew Chapter 26 details a plot to kill Jesus Christ. The chief priests in this chapter were looking for some way to arrest him. They were looking for someone to help with details in locating Jesus. The person who presented himself to them was Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus. Judas was given 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus.
In this chapter in Matthew, Jesus Christ and his disciples were celebrating Passover. He tells them that one of his disciples will betray him. The disciple would be Judas. Jesus and his disciples took communion together and then went up to the Mount of Olives. He explained how another one of his disciples would deny him. Peter would be the one. Peter was close to Jesus and felt like he wouldn’t deny the Lord.
If you look closely in this story, Jesus was betrayed and denied by his disciples who were daily around him. He trained and mentored both of these disciples and considered them friends. How could anyone deal with that much betrayal and denial?
Next, they go to the garden of Gethsemane. He takes Peter, John, and James with him to pray. The disciples take a nap and constantly keep falling asleep. Jesus Christ felt like he needed them to be up. They couldn’t even do that. Have you ever felt like you were in a season where people kept betraying you? When you felt like you needed them the most, they were nowhere to be found? Have some of your friendships seemed distant or changed a bit?
"And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now Jesus' betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him." - Matthew 26: 47-50
There will be times in your own life where you might feel like you are following the purpose God has for you. Even when you are in the midst of trouble. It might feel like the people in your circle, who you have known for years, don't have your back. Jesus felt this in every way and He is the Savior of our souls. He was given all authority and He still went through the season of preparation.
You are a child of the highest God. As his daughter, you will go through the preparation process. We hate that betrayal and heartache has to be mixed in it, but God will allow people to betray you. He doesn’t want his children to be hurt. God will allow these similar hurts to make you see that He is bigger than it all. Sometimes, the greatest pain will birth the greatest wisdom and bring you closer to God in a new way.
I have had times in my own life where I felt like I knew people for years and when we parted ways I was hurt. God allowed many of my friendships to depart, even when I tried to keep them. We were going in different directions. There are times when your friends may not have betrayed you or lied to you, but God still allowed you to part ways. I even remember a time in my life where I prayed for God to stretch me and do something new in my life.
Day and night I prayed for God to mature me in Christ. I remember clearly how close I was with a friend in college. I remember that my friend and I would hang out almost everyday and eat out everywhere. I remember her telling me she didn’t want to be my friend anymore and wanted me not to contact her anymore. This hurt because, to me it was unexpected, but I know it wasn’t unexpected to God.
Here are four points that I believe will help you deal with betrayal and feeling denied by people close to you. I use each of these points daily when I deal with betrayal, heartbreak, or even feelings of being denied. Take each of these points and prayers into your spirit.
- Repent and pray for yourself. Look into your own circumstance and situation. I know you may feel like you haven’t done anything wrong, but you may have unintentionally. Take time to repent and go to the throne of God. Ask God to help you forgive yourself for any mistakes you have made and to forgive you for harboring any resentment towards the people who have hurt you. (1 John 1:9) (Psalm 103:10-11)
- Forgive those who have hurt you and pray for them. I know it’s not easy to pray for someone when you feel upset or disappointed. Look through the eyes of Christ and ask him to help you pray for the person. They are hurting as well, even in ways you may never know. Let God show you how to love and forgive them properly. (Colossians 3:13) (Matthew 5:44)
- Learn to let go of the past and heal. Sometimes, when you try to move on, memories try to pop up, but God wants you to heal. Ask the Lord daily to help you move on from your past and to heal you from bad memories. Start focusing on the progress you are making and the good memories you have had in your past. Look at each one as a lesson. (Philippians 3:13-14)
- Make a choice to rejoice now. You have to make a choice each and everyday to rejoice. Even in the midst of the hardest situations between friendships or even family members. The Lord had to make choices as well and we can learn from Christ how he dealt with people. Rejoicing, I believe, isn’t based on perfect circumstances, but based on choosing to trust God despite the outcome. (Philippians 4:4)
In the Bible we see clearly that Jesus did resurrect after he was crucified in Luke 24. He did fulfill his father’s purpose despite all of the situations he faced prior to his divine moment. I pray that you would look at your life and ask God to help you open your heart.