After spending a night in prayer, Jesus chose Judas to be in His inner-circle.

Judas, the thief.
Judas, the betrayer.
There was Peter, John, and Judas. (Remember the song from Sesame Street, “One of these things is not like the other?”)

When an offering was collected, there was Judas.
When Jesus, in an act of total humility, washed the disciples feet, there was Judas.
On the day of His betrayal, there was Judas. And Jesus called him, “Friend.”

Judas betrayed Jesus. Jesus never betrayed Judas.

Why Judas?

Jesus only did what the Father said. Why choose Judah? The Father had to know how the story would end.

Perhaps, Judas was necessary. Without Judas there would be no cross. Without the cross…Well, let’s no go there.

Here is a hard truth: Sometimes in our lives, betrayers are necessary. Betrayers can push us toward our destiny. Betrayers can prevent us from settling for less than God’s best.

Yes, I know. Betrayal hurts. It makes you question God. It makes you question your ability to hear from God. It makes you gun-shy about trusting again. I get it. I’ve been there.

But when I look back, I can see the betrayal served as a course correction.

If you have been betrayed, here is my three step process for overcoming:

1. Forgive. (I know. Easier said than done.) Remember, forgive as you have been forgiven.
2. Learn. What course correction was necessary.
3. Move forward. Don’t give up on your dream. What God has for you, is for you. And no betrayer can steal that.

He really does work all things together for our good.

“Now it was during this time that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent all night in prayer to God. When morning came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:12-13‬ ‭NET‬‬