BetrayedParaugs

In every biography I have ever read, it always reaches this climax when everything that could go wrong seems to happen. Still, as somber as that chapter of their life feels as you read, when you turn the page, there is always an unexpected ending. An ending that reveals that God took all of the broken pieces and made a beautiful piece of mosaic art. With every crack and piece that seemed broken beyond repair, Almighty God (EL SHADDAI) reversed the situation. 

This has been true in my own life. Years ago, I went through the loneliest season of my life. I was betrayed by someone whom I loved dearly. I had experienced many emotions in our tumultuous relationship, but nothing stung more than knowing that this individual’s love for me was superficial. I remember seeing the signs, but I counted them as flaws in character, not the individual's heart. Honestly, I was in denial because I wanted things to be right. As I navigated that season, some nights felt almost unbearable. I would cry out to God from the pit of my soul. As I wrestled with anxiety and the unending churning deep within my stomach, I did not think that season would ever end. Days felt like months and months, years. I kept praying, “Lord, please help me”, but the more I prayed and felt slightly relieved, the more things would remind me of just how blind I had been. This made me angry and resentful all over again. That chapter in my story was physically draining too. I did not have a desire to eat or be present. All I wanted to do was hide in a place that was small enough to fit just me. 

Prayer works. The more I prayed, the worse things seemed to get, BUT I kept at it. I believed that if anyone could deliver me from this deep, dark emotional state, it would have to be God and His word. Once I heard Dr. Charles Stanley say, “See everything as coming from God”. I thought “everything” and it’s as if the Lord himself pierced my soul with those words to reiterate EVERYTHING. God never orchestrates evil, but He allows it. I don’t understand this fully, but I believe wholeheartedly in the sovereignty of God. So, I began to pray, “Lord, only you can see the depth of my pain. It’s beyond words, it’s beyond description, this pain is beyond me.” I prayed, “please help me to let go and move forward. I want to see this season as coming from you and in some strange way, I know that this is conforming me to your image. Please heal my soul, my memories, and my heart. I promise to share what you did in my heart and the steps to healing with someone who comes after me who has experienced betrayal.” In those moments, God lifted the load. I believe when I shifted the focus off of me and what I felt, God was then able to use me as a vessel.

This is what life is about, being conformed, then used all for the glory of God. If you have experienced betrayal in any form, I encourage you to pray a prayer similar to what I prayed. Satan wants to keep you bound in unforgiveness as he knows it creates a stronghold and ultimately a stumbling block in your relationship with God and people. No one ever gets away with hurting God’s children. Ever. 

In some situations, you may still have to deal with your offender because they are family, a co-worker or you are co-parenting with the individual. I learned that healing takes time and it is a process all in itself. Pray diligently for peace between you and the individuals. God will answer! This does not necessarily lead to reconciliation, but it will free you from the bondage of shame, regret, anger, and resentment. I admonish you to forgive as this is the only way you will find freedom from the betrayal and regain the life God has promised you. We all have to give an account for the things we did on earth, keep your account in good standing. Forgive.  

God has great plans for you and no plot, plan, or betrayal can ever thwart it. Be Encouraged.