Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #20 — Betrayed

Picture: Counsel #20 — Betrayed CI 120.1

What happens to your sense of femininity when the people or institutions meant to protect you become the source of your deepest wounds? Maybe it was a spouse who belittled you, or a church that silenced your voice instead of standing up for your safety. CI 120.2

Betrayal at this level shakes the foundation of who you are, and can make you question your value, your strength, and even your faith. So, where do you go when those who should defend you abandon you instead? You go to the One who never will! Jesus understands betrayal - He was sold out, denied, beaten, and left to suffer a gruesome death; yet, He did not allow human failure to define His identity.^[121] He clung to His Father’s truth of Who He was — His beloved Son, and you can claim this same truth — that you remain His beloved daughter. If you’ve been betrayed, don’t try to deal with it alone. Seek help, whether that’s legal, emotional, or spiritual help. As always, lean closer into Jesus and let Him wrap you in a righteousness no abuser or system can take away. He sees your scars and still calls you His. CI 120.3

“There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.” Hosea 2:15 NIV CI 120.4

“We shall find that we must let loose of all hands except the hand of Jesus Christ.” Ellen White in Last Day Events, p. 150 CI 120.5

Reflect: Are you holding on to someone else’s betrayal more than God’s promise of who you are to Him? CI 120.6