Good morning! Have you ever experienced a situation where you trusted someone to have your best interest in mind and then you learn later, that they only had their best interest in mind? Today as we continue to read Matthew 26, we will read about a betrayal that has impacted the world for our best interest. Enjoy today’s devotion.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 26:14-16 NLT
“14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests ¹⁵ and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. ¹⁶ From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.”

REFLECTION
Was Jesus unaware of Judas Iscariot’s actions? Of course not, Jesus knew Judas’ heart and had already mentioned to the disciples that he would be betrayed by one of them.

Wow, just knowing that Jesus was betrayed reminds me that He fully understands our emotions when we feel or are betrayed. Does it make us feel any better knowing this? Maybe not.

In our human (fleshy) selves, it is difficult to manage betrayal, especially when facts line up and truth is exposed. However, Jesus knew the truth, he didn’t cuss out or beat down Judas.  He didn’t stop and remind Judas of all the times he had been there for him, encouraging him, providing food for him and the times he taught him the word of God. Jesus didn’t give up on the mission God had called him to finish. Jesus knew his time on earth was limited and he had to continue to press through regardless of the betrayal and plots against him.

Sisters and brothers, what are you battling with today? What betrayal has you so bent in frustration that you can’t see God and your purpose for this life? Betrayal may not kill us, but without ceasing the bitterness and rage of that painful betrayal it will kill us – mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It will keep replaying in our heads and ultimately build up walls that were previously torn down.

It’s time to press on beyond the things that pin us down with emotion. Don’t let the enemy win. Don’t! There will be times when you may not want to forgive someone who betrayed you, forgive anyway. We may not forget, because we now have discernment or wisdom about a situation, but forgiveness is necessary so that we can move on in whatever God has called us to do. Are you ready?

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for all the prayers that have been answered and the ones that are in the process. Lord, we love you. Forgive us of the times when we have betrayed you, walked away from you or tuned you out when we were angry and wanted to seek our on vengeance without consulting with you. Lord, we desire to serve you with all our hearts. Lord, be with us and help us to search our hearts and address the things in there that are not of you. Lord, work in us and heal our hurts and pains. Lord, we don’t want to live in despair, we want to live an abundant life in you. Remove from us our own willingness to betray others. Lord, help us to keep you first and love you with all our heart, minds and soul. Lord, we pray for those seeking employment and those who are interviewing for jobs. Lord, we ask that you give them favor in the job market, favor with interview panels and wisdom for the positions they are applying for. Lord, may they be your light in the workplace. Lord, keep working in us and change us to be more like you. In Jesus name, amen!

—-
Sisters and brothers we are looking for new board members to serve a two year term. This is an important phase for our non-profit and we are excited for the next steps. If you are interested, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

We are also seeking volunteers for our retreat, which will be in November.

—-

SAVE-THE-DATE
Our Next Women’s Retreat is
Saturday, November 5, 2022.
Stay tuned for more details.

—
PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2022 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.