A senior minister in our country once shared the story of how two of his trusted associates left the ministry same day. They both came to his office to tender their resignation letters. Overwhelmed by the betrayal, he went to God’s presence in worship. From that worship came a Covenant Word that has brought blessings and increase to his ministry till date.

Friend, betrayals are real. They are part of the signs of the last days. If it happened in the days of Jesus, then know that it would happen much more in our days. While you may not totally prevent betrayals, you need to prepare yourself to handle them when they come. It is not what happens to you that matters but your response (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).

“And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said…” (1 Corinthians 11:24). Jesus was betrayed. He was betrayed with a kiss from one of his most trusted associates (Psalms 55:12-13, Luke 22:48). Or how could you hand over your ministry purse to the one you do not trust? Judas may not have been altogether bad, but Satan entered into him through his careless (Luke 22:3-6, John 12:4-6). How did Jesus handle His own betrayal?

Jesus gave thanks! I know it is most difficult to give thanks during times of betrayals. The emotions are always not funny. You feel so down, discouraged and dejected. Jesus most likely felt the same way (Psalms 55:12-13). But beyond the feeling, Jesus switched to God’s word; He gave thanks (1 Corinthians 11:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:18). That was His response, and that was the game changer.

Thanksgiving is the game changer anytime, any day. Once you switch to Thanksgiving, you have taken the power from the devil; you are now in charge of the situation with the help of God. Why did Jesus give thanks? I believe He gave thanks because He knew that all things (including the betrayal) were working together for His good (John 17:12, Romans 8:28).

When you know that God is working all things for your good, you would give thanks (Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11). Yes, the guy jilted you so that the right person can come into your life. Those associates left because they are not meant to be with you in the first place (1 John 2:19). In worship, you see the blessing in the disappointment, the divine purpose in the betrayal, and you rise in that energy to pursue your destiny unhindered (Acts 20:24). Give thanks today!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria