Acts 1:15-20 NKJV

[15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, [16] “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; [17] for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” [18] (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his entrails gushed out. [19] And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) [20] “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’

Judas was despicable. Most people (including myself) can all agree on that. He got what he deserved for doing what he did. We can all stand in that judgment comfortably. What if, instead of seeing his actions being the end of Jesus, we started seeing the sovereignty of God using ill intentions for the completion of His plans. That IS what happened.

Most people I know have had moments when they were misled or betrayed by another individual. I lived quite a bit of my life being betrayed by myself and misled by the enemy. Did I deserve death? ABSOLUTELY! I still do. I will never be good enough to darken the door of Heaven. My greatest works are filthy rags in the sight of a Holy God.

We don't rely on our goodness. We count on God's grace and rest in His providence. My plans led me to failure, but God used all of those sins, mistakes, and foolish decisions to bring me back to Him. We don't make forward progress looking back with regret. My past is detestable, but my Savior is leading me down a path of daily sanctification. I love Him for it. I serve Him because of it. Because of Him, I have purpose.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.