Betrayal: With Friends Like These…Who Needs Enemies?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV)
Most of us have experienced some form of betrayal. Whether it was cheating/adultery, lying, gossiping, sabotage, or other forms of disloyalty. I’ve experienced a mix of these, with cheating being the worst of these in a previous relationship. But for this blog, I will be sharing a story of an instance where someone in my life spread gossip about me, turned some people against me, and how the enemy almost got me in my FLESH! But God was merciful and helped me to keep my mouth shut in a time it was ABSOLUTELY needed.
So, here’s the story…
I was at an event and a couple that I know was very rude to me. I was surprised at how rude they were, and it made me very upset. I went out of my way to speak to them, and they did not speak back to me (and yes, they saw me). Then later the interaction was very uncomfortable. Needless to say, the devil was trying to get me to retaliate. I was fighting anger. I literally had to open my mouth and repeat over and over again “I forgive them, I forgive them” because the feelings were overwhelming. I did not expect this type of behavior from them because, generally speaking, we were cordial.
Sometime after this, I was visiting someone else I know and a mutual friend was there who is also friends with the couple. The person began to talk about the couple and the Holy Spirit revealed to me that this individual was the root cause in the discord. I won’t go into what they said specifically because the purpose of this blog is not to “air dirty laundry”, but instead to share my personal story and how the Lord was there for me.
Back to the story… I was so angry as I continued to hear the person speak as if everything was fine. I wanted to confront them right then and there and call the other people on phone so I could address EVERYTHING. However, in the angry state I was in, with my jaw tight, nothing good was going to come from that. My wrath will never produce the righteousness of God as it says in James 1:20. “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God,” (NKJV). So what do you do in these circumstances? James 1:19 gives us insight on this when he says “…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (NKJV). By the grace of God, I did not confront the individual.
When I got home, I went straight into prayer, forgiving the individual and asking the Lord to clean my heart and give me compassion for the individual. I could not understand why someone I’ve helped so much would slander me and want someone else to hate me. My heart was aching to say the least. Between waves of anger and grief, the Lord began to reveal to me the “why” behind this person’s behavior. He also reminded me that I prayed for Him to expose enemies that are hiding around me. Boy, did he do that! He also showed me some others that I have to separate from. What would I do without God??? Not only did He expose some enemies, but He also gave me the strength to forgive and let them go. My soul is still healing from some of the wounds, but God is so faithful and even now I feel Him giving me beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). His protection and love are like nothing I could ever explain!!!
If you have experienced betrayal or any emotional wound, I want to encourage you that God can heal you. The strategy I recommend is:
1) Forgive quickly. Sometimes this is a struggle, but God can empower you to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice not a feeling.
2) Ask the Lord what type of boundary to put in place with the individual(s). Not all relationships are meant to be restored.
3) Immerse yourself in the word of God, worship, and prayer. This is the place where you will be restored, healed, and given direction.
One last note…
If you read this blog and God revealed to you that you have hurt someone, you can repent and run to God. There is forgiveness in Jesus for all of us. He can show you how to make it right and deliver you from any guilt, shame, or regret that you may feel.
Until next time…
Be encouraged!
#Jesus is the answer
