Hope In Betrayal
I want to share my heart today as it relates to healing after the sin of Adultery, betrayal, and its effects on children.
I spoke with my ex-husband yesterday about this subject and how the children are just as affected as the spouse. Their hurt and pain look slightly different, but it is still VERY real. We have to cover our children in prayer. The bizarre thing is I had no idea I would receive a text shortly after.
This morning, I received a text from someone who shared news of an affair and the devastation they were feeling. This news is what prompted this video. These things always poke at my heart because I know this pain all too well. I have walked this road with several couples, and whether one chooses separation or restoration, the process and journey are still tedious, complicated, and emotional. This video speaks to the importance of forgiveness, true healing, and how the Lord can still turn things for the good.
Video Summary-
When someone commits the sin of Adultery, the betrayal of it all hurts more than anything. Essentially, you are throwing your partner out in the woods to the wolves to eat at their identity, value, and more. Once you are caught or discovered, you come back and try to fix things, but all those pieces of their confidence, respect, trust, are scattered abroad. Even when the person is genuinely repentant, and I say "genuinely" because it is a difference, it takes God's Grace, Power, and Healing to mend that person's, broken heart. If you know someone involved in an affair or is plotting betrayal, warn them that their actions have consequences and break families and friends apart. Thank God that no matter how scattered and wrecked we feel, He always gathers the pieces and helps us overcome the past and its pain.
Joseph's Story
In the first book of the Bible, Genesis Chapter 37, we meet a seventeen-year-old young boy, Joseph. God had given him a dream and showed him that someday he would have prominence. God didn't allow him to see the journey, just the ending. Joseph's life was filled with envy, betrayal, false accusations, prison, and injustice. Still, Joseph served and did what was right in the Lord's eyes. More importantly, the Bible says, "And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man;...
He didn't allow what others did to cause him to forget the promise God had given Him. It wasn't until Chapter 50 that things came full circle, and Joseph confesses the perspective of God "'As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. ' Genesis 50:20
The ending of Joseph’s life provides an image of Romans 8:28 “'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ' Romans 8:28
My Testimony-
For years, I juggled healing from grief and the sting of betrayal. Thankfully, I was able to cling to God's sovereignty, but the wounds and scars that were wrought in me during that season completely changed me as a person. I kept fighting for my Joy and peace because it was like it was stripped from me. For years, I kept trying to "get back" to a place of this particular Joy. I would look at old pictures and videos and see things that I felt I no longer possessed. God opened my eyes to why "she" was no longer there. I was praying the wrong prayer; you see, it wasn't about getting back but allowing God to rebuild who He truly intended me to be.
He Restored to me the Joy of my salvation; this Joy could only be found in Him and the finished work of the cross. Psalm 51:12
Conclusion-
Everyone isn't willing to stay in relationships after such pain. Honestly, they have permission from scripture to separate themselves. Though God commands forgiveness, He doesn't command reconciliation without true repentance first to Christ and those who were hurt after that. My initial prayer is always that those who can, be reconciled to your family, RECONCILE. In the situations where this is no longer possible, still, FORGIVE. In everything trust God forward!
I am praying for everyone who has walked this journey.
Be Encouraged,
Bettye Nicole
