Perspective: When Betrayal Works for Good
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28
Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you or in your inner circle? If so, you know the intensity of the pain and grief of the soul. I know how painful it can be when you trust someone with your heart and then they stab you in the back so deep that the wound pierces through your heart!
However, as painful as betrayal is, it can work for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans and chosen for His purpose. This past weekend, Christians celebrated Holy Week leading up the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ; it was the betrayal of someone close to Him that initiated.
Unfortunately, betrayal is one of Satan’s powerful weapons used to destroy relationships, especially a relationship with Jesus Christ. He will use anyone vulnerable or ignorant of his devices — spouse, family members, friends, enemies, business partners, ministry leaders and workers. These individuals are deceived by the enemy of their soul and are vulnerable targets, especially if they have weaknesses, sin and weights, insecurity issues, spirit of rejection, greed, etc. Many Christians, especially leaders, are blindsided by the act of betrayal. They do not consider it as a spiritual strategy used to steal, kill and destroy relationships and trust.
However, the inspiration for this article is to consider how betrayal can work for good although the plot is for your destruction. Let’s consider our supreme example, Jesus Christ, and how He handled the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. You can read it in the four Gospels: Matthew 26:14–16, 20–25; Mark 14:18–21; Luke 22:21–23; John 13:18–26. Although betrayal is a strategic weapon used by Satan, our concentration must be from God’s perspective. Since God is omniscient (all knowing), His purposes are scripted into His foreknowledge of man’s choices, both the good and bad, as with Judas Iscariot. From this perspective, we can view betrayal as part of the process God will use to bring about His purpose in the life those He chooses.
We can we learn how to handle betrayal from Jesus’ example.
First, let’s consider Jesus’ knowledge base. He knew betrayal was inevitable. Yet, He did not focus on it as a method to destroy Him, but instead to bring about victory for anyone who would believe in Him despite Satan’s attempt to defeat Him and inflict emotional pain. Therefore, to better handle betrayal we should expect opposition, betrayal, and rejection. Although we can expect, we should not live in fear of it. That may seems oxymoronic but know God always causes us to triumph in Christ if we trust His sovereignty and faithfulness.
Secondly, Jesus knew His Father’s plan and eternal purpose were greater than his temporary pain. Therefore, He didn’t take Judas’ betrayal personal as the end, but instead the process that would lead to the fulfillment of God’s purpose. When we take betrayal personal as a personal (flesh and blood) matter rather than demonically influenced, we tend to react out of uncontrolled emotion. In addition, taking it personal distracts you from Kingdom assignment and the preparation process that leads to greater purpose. Therefore, we interrupt the process and risk falling prey to Satan’s scheme just as the betrayer. Of course, we dare not diminish the emotional pain caused by betrayal, yet, we must know that there is purpose in pain.
Thirdly, Jesus could handle betrayal because He knew these four (4) truths: 1) He knew who He was, that He had come from God.
2) He knew His mission (purpose), that the Father had given all things into His hands.
3) He knew His destination, that when His mission was finished, He was going to His Father (John 13:2–4).
4) He knew betrayal had already been “scripted” and had to be fulfilled (John 13:18; Psalm 41:9).
Jesus is our perfect example of when betrayal can work for good. Although Judas Iscariot’s betrayal was initiated by the agenda of evil men, the Father used it to ensure eternal life and hope through faith in Christ.
Undeniably, being betrayed by someone you love and trust is a disheartening experience. However, the Holy Spirit empowers us to handle it. Like Jesus, our knowledge of God, trust in His faithfulness, our spiritual perception, and Kingdom assignment should change our perspective on betrayal — knowing that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Yes, even betrayal.
©2017, 2019 Queen E. Phillips. All rights reserved. Credit must given to the copyright owner if used.
