Have you ever felt betrayed? Was it a family member who betrayed you? Was it a friend you considered to be close? Was it a co-worker you thought you could trust? Was it a spouse? Were you devasted when it happened?
The likelihood of us being betrayed at some point in our lives is high. The betrayal may be relatively simple and easily overcome or it may be very significant and hurt deeply. But make no mistake about it, it will come sooner or later.
What can we do to prepare ourselves for the betrayal? The same thing Jesus did. Have a great relationship with the Father. Our strength to get through that extremely trying time comes from Him. Jesus forewarned His Apostles they would be betrayed. His warning is for us as well. He set an example for us. He knew He would be betrayed. He knew He would need the Father’s strength. We will, too.
I know this personally. I was unceremoniously relieved of duties a few years ago, meaning I was fired. I was the fall guy for a failure by a junior person who was halfway across the country. I’m not even sure who the real betrayer was. It may have been my boss, his boss, or our client. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is I had a good relationship with my Father and trusted in Him to get me through the difficult time. My relationship was built on years of not merely going to church, but actively participating and studying God’s Word and spending time in prayer.
Each of us can be prepared for the betrayal to come by building our relationship with God. He is patiently waiting for us to come to Him. He desires a close relationship with each of us. But He won’t force us to come to Him. It is our choice.
I pray we all choose to participate in church activities. I pray we choose to study God’s Word. I pray each of us choose to build a close relationship with God before the betrayal comes. Be prepared for betrayal. Rely on God’s strength. Build a close relationship with Him. Be an active member in your church. Spend time studying God’s Word. Spend time in prayer.
Matthew 10:21-22 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Marty Pressey 