Snake Bite: How God’s Plan Can Heal the Wound.

Betrayal is a piercing experience that can leave deep wounds and shake our faith to its core. Yet, in the midst of pain and hurt, we can find solace in the knowledge that God is sovereign and that He can use even the darkest of circumstances for our good and His glory. The life of Jesus Christ is a powerful testament to this truth. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus experienced betrayal firsthand, most notably by Judas, one of His closest disciples.

In John 13:21, Jesus expresses His deep sorrow, saying, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." This prophecy was fulfilled when Judas handed Jesus over to the authorities, leading to His crucifixion. However, Jesus' response to betrayal was not one of bitterness or resentment. Instead, He chose to forgive, praying on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Jesus' ability to forgive was rooted in His deep understanding of God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfilling God's plan.

The Bible teaches us that betrayal can be a refining fire that reveals the true condition of our hearts. In the Psalms, David often cried out to God in the face of betrayal, seeking justice and vindication. Yet, he also understood the importance of forgiveness and trust in God's ultimate plan. In Psalm 55:12-14, David laments, "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God."

When we experience betrayal, we are faced with a choice: to let bitterness and resentment take root or to choose forgiveness and trust in God's plan. Holding onto grudges and unforgiveness can lead to a path of destruction, causing us to become isolated and distrustful. On the other hand, choosing to forgive and trust in God's sovereignty can lead to healing and growth.

As the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse reminds us that God is always working, even in the midst of betrayal and pain, to bring about good and to conform us to the image of His Son.

In the face of betrayal, it's essential to hold onto faith and trust in God's plan. We can take comfort in knowing that God is not surprised by the betrayals we face, and He has a plan to use them for our good. As the psalmist declares, "You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in Your bottle" (Psalm 56:8). God sees our pain and suffering, and He is always working to bring about redemption.

Ultimately, betrayal can be a great teacher, revealing our heart's condition and teaching us to trust in God's sovereignty. While it may hurt in the moment, we can trust that God has a plan for us that is bigger than any betrayal we may face. As the hymn says, "He is working His purpose out as year succeeds to year." May we hold onto this hope and trust in God's goodness, even in the midst of pain and betrayal. Sometimes we have to face the snake to recognize its venom. 

—MC©️

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