Even Jesus experienced great betrayal in his life. We can never forget about Peter, a dear and trusted disciple of Christ. He was a friend.
Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.
Luke 22:56-60
Jesus experienced all of the same trials that we do. That’s why He is such a great example for each of us. We can have confidence that all of His guidance is not just for our benefit, but also within our reach. We can follow His example and enjoy the same victories as He did.
Even in betrayal.
No one is exempt from the sting of betrayal in life. Often times it comes from people close to us. Even family members and close friends.
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
Psalm 41:9
Those are the tough ones. The very people with whom we let our guards down. For whatever reason, whatever misjudgment on their part, they let us down. God, forgive them.
But we know that God has a plan not only to prosper us, but also to heal us. We’ve all been wounded in some way by the sharp edges of life. God knows this. It’s part of the process for us to grow closer to Him and to see new heights.
I’ve always found that, in my own life, the path to being able to forgive someone looks like this:
Pray for them.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44
Betrayal from others can be contrived or done out of stupor. In either case, the damage is the same, but it’s up to us how we will respond to it as Christians. I’ve learned that if there is a sure way to turn my emotions around instantly and be on the road to healing, it’s through praying for my offender. God changes my heart.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
Psalm 102:17
Are you feeling spiritually or emotionally destitute today? My hope is that this prayer will somehow give you a sense of Godly peace and a firm belief that healing will go your way if you turn it over to our creator.