Betrayal, Pain, GRACE

Gut-wrenching heart-ache - that's how I would describe deep betrayal. 

Have you ever thought about how Christ felt when Judas betrayed Him? 

Sure, He was God and He knew it was coming and even that it was needed for Him for be crucified. But that doesn't negate the fact that He was betrayed. Betrayed by one of those closest to Him. A person He had worked with, laughed with, traveled and lived with. A man He had taught and mentored. 

And then. 

Judas turned on Jesus and betrayed Him.

Stabbed Him in the back. 

There's no way you can tell me that Christ was not hurt. 

Perhaps the knowledge of Judas' betrayal added to the enormous weight He carried in the Garden when Christ prayed. The betrayal by a close friend is not an easy boulder to scale and then just continue on down the path of life unaffected. 

Sometimes the hurt and pain remain in your heart for many months afterward. It will never be completely erased from your memory. 

The boulder of betrayal may be blocking your path. There is no way around it. It cannot be brushed aside and not dealt with. If you are to press forward in your spiritual walk, it must be ascended. You can choose to let it defeat you so that you no longer have the energy to travel the upward journey of faith. But you are the one who loses, if that is your choice. 

I understand to a small extent the anger, frustration and pain that accompanies a friend's betrayal. Not the kind of pain that stems from a friend who perhaps no longer speaks to you or speaks evil of you behind your back. Not an elementary school betrayal.

But the heartache caused by a close confident and mentor who has spurned the Truth of God's Word, the Truth they have proclaimed for many years. The pain generated when the choices this friend made severely injures numerous loved ones around them.

Hebrews 4: 15 - "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

Christ is our High Priest. He understands our weaknesses, our emotions, our trials. He knows how betrayal feels! He can comfort and give grace, because He has been through it already. Only He can give sustaining grace and peace in a dark time of life. What a comfort it is to rest in the knowledge that my Lord loves me, He understands the anguish of my soul and He will carry me over the hurdle of betrayal.

Betrayal is only one of many dark trials that a person can encounter in life. But my God is the Sustainer and Peace-Giver for each one of our trials - whether it be the death of loved one, the betrayal of a dear friend, the kidnapping of a child, sickness, financial loss. Each of our circumstances may be different, but...

God is the Constant.

You can look to Him and He will never let you down. Men will fail us. I'm thankful for the good, godly friends God has allowed me to meet, but none will ever replace the Lord and what He can do for me.

His Strength is made strong in my weakness, His Grace sustains me when I don't have the will to go on, His Peace comforts my heart when I am burdened, His Word refreshes my soul when I am down, His Love embraces me when I feel alone.

My heart still aches as I write this, my stomach still churns and tears threaten to flow, but my trust is in the God of Heaven. By allowing Him free access to my life, yes, I will endure trials. But those trials will make me stronger, more confident in my Saviour - in the end, I consider it a blessing.

I am today closer to my Father because of this trial.

and I am willing to accept this trial and others in the future if my God will be glorified.