Saved from a jail sentence

I can't go into too much detail but a family member of mine ended up getting into trouble with the police. He is a good person and is from a good home and unfortunately, got caught up in the wrong situation at the wrong time. Although what he was arrested for wasn't the most serious offence, the offence carried a maximum charge of a prison sentence. He was given a court hearing which was to take place a few months after the point of his arrest.

Those few months that we were waiting for the court date were agony but my family decided to pray for God to take control and preside over the case. Although my family member had done the wrong thing by putting himself in a situation that he shouldn't have been, we all truly believed that a custodial sentence of any length would have been a disproportionate response and my family member had shown signs of wanting to change his life going forward. Still, he had a court case ahead of him and we couldn't afford to hire an expensive attorney. We prayed without ceasing, fasted every day and stood on the scriptures. In particular, we stood on Proverbs 21:1 which states that the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord and He turns it whichever way He wills. We also took comfort in the story of God redeeming Jacob (God forgives Jacob, a trickster, and renames him).

When the court case came, God did a total miracle and allowed the judge to see my family member as we all saw him and knew him to be - a good kid who got caught up in the wrong situation, was genuinely embarrassed and remorseful and who clearly had a bright future ahead of him. Rather than issuing a custodial sentence, the judge issued a community service order (for a few hours) and a very small fine! We were all elated. God is so good and never forsakes His children. He showed us mercy when He didn't need to. He gave a second chance and He preserved our name, reputation and opportunities. We're all so thankful and today, all trying to actively pursue lives that recognise His goodness, His authority and His Lordship. It's a work in progress but I'm so thankful for all that He has done and am confident that He who began a good work will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!