At the end of a busy day, a court summon was delivered to my house. The serviceman handed the document to me and left without a word. I appeared before a judge on the appointed day, and my accusers were present. In the judge’s chamber, the judge stated my offense, saying that I had a gang carrying ‘jembe’ sticks to beat the church members, causing the chief to close the church. The judge said to me, “do you know I can put you in prison?” I replied to the judge, “your honor, you can not imprison me since I have not done anything. I don’t beat people. I am a born-again Christian, and my work is to preach the good news of Jesus Christ.” The accusing team and I had another day to appear before the judges. The judge ruled that the church open and the two groups worship separately on an alternative Sundays, while the court case continues.
A new congregation formed within the same church and they began worshiping independently. We appeared in court many a days and years. One day I walked home hungry and tired, and halfway through my journey I stopped to relax under a tree with shade. A prayer came in my mind; I knelt and prayed, “God, I trust you, and I know everything has a beginning and an end, bring this case to an end. Amen.” After relaxing, I continued my journey home.
The next court appearing, a different judge, sat in court and said to us, the accusers and accused, “this case has many years in court; I would study it.” The judge gave us, the two groups, another appointment day to come to court. Finally, after seven years in court, the court ruling against the accusers and the church continued. The new congregation within our church was ordered to relocate to another new area, and the case was ended.
My takeaway. In trusting in God, truthfulness, integrity, and patience necessary in all life areas. And in this altitude, you have an affirmation, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…” (2 Chronicles, 20:17, ESV).