Friends betray us sometimes intentionally often with no malice.  Patrick’s friend promises to fight for him.  The missionary has decided to return to Ireland and tell them about Jesus’ love for them.  He left without defending himself.  The friend who once forgave him now attacks.

But rather, I am grieved for my very close friend, that because of him we deserved to hear such a prophecy. The one to whom I entrusted my soul! And I found out from a goodly number of brethren, before the case was made in my defense (in which I did not take part, nor was I in Britain, nor was it pleaded by me), that in my absence he would fight in my behalf.

Besides, he told me himself: “See, the rank of bishop goes to you”– of which I was not worthy.

But how did it come to him, shortly afterwards, to disgrace me publicly, in the presence of all, good and bad, because previously, gladly and of his own free will, he pardoned me, as did the Lord, who is greater than all?



I have said enough. But all the same, I ought not to conceal God’s gift which he lavished on us in the land of my captivity, for then I sought him resolutely, and I found him there, and he preserved me from all evils (as I believe) through the in-dwelling of his Spirit, which works in me to this day.

When we feel betrayed by friends, acquaintances or just people remember God does not betray us.  Walk in obedience to His commands and He walks with you. No promise of an easy path, but a promise to never leave you.  Patrick felt the Spirit as a gift which preserved him from all evils.