Blindsided and Betrayed
Betrayal. It hurts. It can make you question getting close to people. Strangers, friends, or family. However, it presents itself, the vessel in which the revelation came, it can catch you blindsided. We put trust in people. We want to see the good in them. We want to believe that we will never experience what Jesus did in the form of Judas, who was with Christ and His disciples, but was never one of them. Judas had everyone hoodwinked. But Christ knew. He knew his true colors would come out in time. He knew that there was a purpose in God allowing Satan to use him as a tool in his hands to sell Jesus out. It was all part of the plan. God’s plan.
The pain of someone you love inflicting a deep hurt upon you is incredibly agonizing. When someone says something about you that is a lie it’s like a sharp knife that penetrates the soul. When someone does not see the whole picture and they choose to come to their own conclusions, that is just wrong. But why do people do that? Gossip and slander can damage people’s lives. People who inflict harm on a person will be held accountable before God. We don’t really know people. We don’t have the full story of someone’s life, and we don’t walk in anyone else’s shoes except our own. I know there will be people who will judge me, you too, and when this happens, I cannot help but think of how Jesus was misunderstood and judged. Rumors, and lies were spread about Him but what did He do? He never retaliated. He never tried to explain Himself. He loved. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
We battle a war of flesh verses spirit. We want to love, forgive, and pray for those who persecute, judge, spread lies and mistreat us but it is so very hard. We cannot do this in our own power. Only the power of Christ in us will enable us to choose love and allow the Spirit of God to flow in and through us enabling us to do something that is not humanly possible - forgive. Even if you forgive your accuser, it does not mean the relationship is mended. Not every relationship this side of heaven will be restored. Yes, God is in the business of restoring lives. He still heals the lame, the sick, and the brokenhearted. Yes, He can, and He will continue to do so. But God in his sovereignty does not always heal and restore, nor prevent us from being persecuted, even by those closest to us. His ways are a mystery to us.
The Scriptures tell us we will have pain and suffering in this world. Jesus said in the book of John, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. This world is not our home. Until the day we stand face to face with our risen Savior, we must press on. Persevere through the heartaches, the pain, knowing we will face challenges in this life. Just remember this truth, that walking those rough and rugged roads of tribulation, God will never leave you. He will see you through.
Jesus conquered the cross and took all our shame and guilt upon Himself. He did this for you, for me, and yes, even for people who are not pursing God and those who get satisfaction from hurting others. Forgiveness and everlasting life is for ALL people who call upon the name of the Lord. It just takes some a little longer to come to the end of themselves to surrender to the True King, crucifying themselves on the altar of pride and self-centeredness. Be patient. God is patient.
Friend, it is hard to love and forgive but if you do not, you’ll continue in the cycle of bitterness and resentment which only leads to a prison cell that will keep you bound in shackles. Christ came to set you free! Ask God to help you forgive and choose love. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44
And lastly, let me remind you that you do not need to fight your own battles. God is your Defender. “The Lord is my strong defender; he is the one who has saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will sing about his greatness. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” Exodus 15:2-3
Surrender and let God enable you to respond like Christ. The road to peace is the way of Christ. It is through choosing to love despite how you feel that ushers in healing. It sets you free and brings you peace.
