Judas made a plan for his betrayal. Peter’s denial of Jesus was impulsive, and I believe, grounded in fear.
One main difference between Judas and Peter was that Judas had a plan.
The Scripture records that faith comes by hearing. I submit to you that doubt and fear come the same way. Whatever you consistently devote yourself to will manifest when trouble comes.
One of the things that hinders our full dependence on God is a gift that He gave us. It’s called freewill. We get to choose what we will do.
When the pressure of life is upon us, it is our enemy’s desire to rob us of the certainty that God can use even our trouble to show us His goodness and bring us to victory!
Sometimes God says no! It’s an answer to prayer we don’t often want to hear, especially if the solution is well within His power to say yes and would benefit us or those we love.
Sometimes we subconsciously compartmentalize when God is good. If we understand what He’s doing, we can readily see His goodness. If we don’t understand, it can be more difficult.
Psalm 31:19 reads, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You, goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men!” (AMP)
Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Does God like to play hide and seek? Maybe, I believe God loves it when we pursue Him. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV)