Hope in the Betrayal
Have you ever felt so discouraged that you feel it in your bones, your soul, and your thoughts?
Lately, I have felt the residual effects of personal disappointments and societal letdowns, and with all that is going on in the world, I just don’t think I can stand much more.
Recently, my husband and I met with two other pastoral couples so discouraged in their relationships that they sought to end their marriage covenant. As we sat with them and ministered to their pain, I began to question my own impact on their lives. Here we were, mentoring couples, and all I could think about was, “Is this all worth it? Are we even truly making an impact on the lives of those around us? Am I even equipped to do this?”
In the spiral of my questions, God reminded me of Galatians 6:9. The New King James Version says:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
You know, the devil plans to tempt us with things and circumstances that fatigue us to the point where our souls get weak. He does this because if our spirits grow tired, there is a greater chance that we will step back from the Lord and His purposes.
Perfect Surrender
I find it so disheartening when Christians treat one another in a way that is opposite to God’s standard. For the life of me, I can’t seem to understand why two believers can’t figure it out. I mean, at some point, someone ought to say, “Not my will, but yours alone, God!”
It is hard to justify this kind of behavior when we have a perfect example in scripture: his name is Jesus.
I don’t think Jesus was overwhelmed with happiness when it was time for him to die on the cross. In fact, the Gospels say that he prayed so intensely not to have to endure calvary that he sweated blood. What an intense pleading that must have been!
Beloved, even Jesus was required to do things his flesh didn’t want to do. God asked Jesus to do things excruciatingly hard things. In addition, he had the Holy Spirit for strength, guidance, and truth. And we have the same Spirit dwelling in us as well.
When Betrayal Happens
As I considered why some Christians continue to behave the way they do, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Judas.
Judas was one of Jesus’ beloved disciples. He walked with Jesus. He broke bread and prayed with Jesus. He did life with Jesus—and I often wonder if he ever washed Jesus’ feet. Judas was a part of Jesus’ inner circle, yet Luke tells us that when it was time, Judas went to the Pharisees and religious sects to reveal where Jesus was. They did not come to Judas; he chose to betray Jesus for thirty silver coins. (Today, that is only $340!)
How could someone so close to Jesus sell him out for so little? And in my wondering, I was reminded that today many do the same.
Modern Day Judas
Throughout our walk with Christ, we have moments of closeness and times of betrayal. We worship God, quote scriptures, and serve in our churches. While it may seem to others that we are close to the Lord, our hearts sometimes reveal the opposite.
We all have seasons where we push God to the back burner of our to-do lists, wants, and busy schedules. We have the free will to put our own desires before God and others. This is why married couples don’t get along and why brothers and sisters in Christ can’t walk together in unity.
We all have the ability to be like Judas, but take heart; God is still much more sovereign.
There Is Always a Purpose
Looking at the Bride of Christ, I found myself questioning God.
“Lord, don’t you see what your people are doing? Why aren’t you doing anything about it?!”
In a moment, the Holy Spirit revealed the sin in my own heart. As I watched the Church interact with the world, silently evaluating other people’s lives and choices, I was partnering with the enemy by doubting God's sovereignty and justice. When I repented and turned my attention back to God, He gave me a Kingdom perspective.
For Our Good
God will allow a Judas to be a Judas because there will always be a purpose in the betrayal. Even when our eyes and thought processes can’t see past those who betray us and others, we can find hope and peace knowing that there is a purpose and a plan.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
-Romans 8:28, NKJV
Judas’ betrayal ushered in a holy crucifixion that would allow us to have access to a good and holy God. The price of sin was paid in full, and now we are forgiven, free, and forever a child of God!
We have an incredible, faithful Father who works everything for our good because God’s plan is good. Judas wasn’t able to thwart it, and we can’t overturn God’s sovereign and perfect plan.
Be encouraged, dear one; we will make mistakes. Other people will make mistakes. But because of God’s unfailing love, grace, and mercy, even in our consequences, God still makes a way.
And it is good.