The God Who Dwells in You Wins All the Time.

“One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles...Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).” -Luke 6: 12, 16

Today, God answered a question I had for so many years. I’m going to share it with you, here.

This portion of scripture just hit me today. Look at this with me. “At daybreak he called together all of his disciples.” So, what's such a big deal about this? Well, he choose his disciples immediately, after praying all night long. All night long, People. He was engulfed with power, direction, and vision. In other words, he went to get his ministry started. Even knowing, who Judas was and what he would do. He had a mission and did not worry about the betrayer.

You want to see the compassion, love, and understanding for those who are pure evil? Look no further then the relationship between Jesus and Judas. Talk about love for those who wish us dead. You see, God could have just given up on Judas. Please, pay close attention here. Jesus did not pick unwisely. Jesus didn’t pick without knowing what would happen. Jesus wasn’t caught by surprise At Judas’ betrayal. Jesus knew exactly what would happen. “After praying all night to God.” Catch that? He prayed to God. Can it be Jesus was praying to God for the heart of Judas to be changed? Just a question to ponder on. I sometimes ask questions to myself.

I never understood Judas and never will. However, there’s many Judas’ characteristics out there in people today. Jesus was not fooled by him. Of course, Jesus was fully God and fully man. However, the secret here for all of us grasp is very clear. Prayer! When we pray God reveals. I believe even though God knew what Judas would do, He still gave him the greatest opportunity of all. Be one of the twelve. Watching, learning, and experiencing Jesus himself, an opportunity to change his evil ways, repent and be saved. Does this not humble you about the great lengths God goes to in order to get our attention?

Let me share something so important. There’s nothing you and I can do to help anyone change their behaviors. Jesus was the ultimate role model, Savior and Lord and yet, Judas’ heart was pure evil. There’s many lessons here to be learned. Judas lied about Jesus. The leaders of that day believed the lies. So why was that so easy to believe? The answer is simpe: because they hated him, and they wanted him dead. It’s amazing what people will believe from lies they are told. It doesn’t matter if you have done them good, doesn’t matter if you didn’t do anything, and it sure doesn’t matter if they didn’t verify the story. The hate overrides common sense. Hearts of men are exactly what God says. Hate, slander, and all sorts of evil lies deep within the hearts of men. Only He can see what’s in it.

Let me say something, please. Never regret the good you have done in people’s lives. I believe God strategically places people in our lives so they have no excuse to say, “I never knew.” God gives chances to people to come to repentance and choose a life of godliness, goodness, aright living. Simply redemption. So God brings people into our lives for them to get their act together before judgement is pronounced, for them to see genuine love and compassion, to have truth told to them. Never water down the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Never compromise His Word for anything. I lost money and so-called friends because I wouldn’t compromise the Word of God. Let them bark like dogs. I don’t care nor should you. The Hand of God is evident on His people. Whoever can’t see it, it’s ok. You be at peace. Your soul and the blessings of God for right living is all you should be concerned about. Let people walk!

Judas had no excuse at all. He had Jesus himself in front of him for 3 solid years. A one-on-one experience and yet he did not change. Let me tell to you straight forward. You and I do not have the power to change anyone. They have to want that for themselves. Deception isn’t about you. It’s about them. They are deceived in their own evil agendas and deprivation of their own minds, hearts, and souls. Until they truly ask forgiveness they will die in their own sins. Very sad.

I have personally asked God for the last 8 years, how could I have been so deceived by some people? God answered this question 8 years ago when I first asked it. I shared this with the closest people to me back then and since, but, I never fully understood it like I did today. His answer remained the same.

Friends, listen, the Judases in our lives will not end. Guess what? It’s ok! You know why it’s ok? “After praying all night to God...He called his disciples.” It was all about ministry. Jesus still accomplished what He came to do. In addition, He gave one man an opportunity to change his ways. Judas can never accuse Jesus for not loving him or not giving him opportunities. Jesus even put him in charge of all the money. He was the treasurer. Judas did the unthinkable. Just like some do to us. Guess what? Jesus won and so shall you win. The cross was not a failure: the cross was the greatest victory and blessing to mankind. No greater gift and no greater victory. Death was swallowed, sins forgiven, healings for every disease known to man, deliverance, redemption, reconciliation, and everything else.

Never mourn, never regret those Judases in your life. The funniest thing is that as much damage as Judas tried to do, it will never stop the wonder-working power of protection, deliverance, and salvation from such people. Truth triumphs in the end! Rejoice! God exposes the evil in people surrounding you. They lost not you.

Rev. Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro Founder and President at Thread of Hope, Inc

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