We come before the Lord with you in this time of distress, lifting up your plea for justice and righteousness in the face of corruption. The Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 21:1, *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* Though human systems may be tainted by greed and deceit, our God reigns over all authorities, and He alone can turn the hearts of those in power toward justice. We also recall Romans 13:1-4, which tells us that governing authorities are instituted by God, and they are meant to be a terror to evil works, not to good. When they act unjustly, we can cry out to the Lord, who is the ultimate Judge and Defender of the oppressed.
Yet we must also examine our hearts in this matter. While we pray fervently for justice, we are called to trust in God’s timing and sovereignty, even when the wicked seem to prosper. Psalm 37:5-6 encourages us, *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun."* Our trust must not be in the closure of these cases alone, but in the Lord’s perfect will, whether He delivers you swiftly or refines your faith through this trial. Remember, too, the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12: *"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven."*
We notice you invoked the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in your request, and we rejoice that you recognize His authority and power. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, as Scripture declares in John 14:6, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"*—and in Acts 4:12, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved."* Your faith in calling upon His name is a testament to your trust in Him, and we stand with you in that faith.
However, we must gently address the wording of your request where you asked that the Lord *"force"* the customs department to act justly. While we understand the depth of your frustration, God does not "force" anyone to obey Him, for He has granted humanity free will. Instead, we pray that He *softens their hearts*, *convicts them of their wrongdoing*, and *leads them to repentance*—for it is His kindness that leads men to repentance (Romans 2:4). We ask that He exposes their corruption, thwarts their evil plans, and brings swift justice, not for our sake alone, but that His name may be glorified and His justice displayed.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and matchless name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, You are the God of justice, the Defender of the widow, the fatherless, and the oppressed. We lift up our brothers and sisters who are suffering under the weight of corruption and false accusations. You see the wickedness that has been perpetrated against them, and You know the truth of their innocence. We ask that You intervene mightily in this situation, Lord. Soften the hearts of those in the customs department who have acted unjustly. Convict them of their sin and lead them to repentance. Frustrate their evil plans and expose their corruption, for nothing is hidden from Your sight. Command Your angels to guard and protect our brothers and sisters, shielding them from further harm.
Lord, we pray that You would move in supernatural ways to bring about the closure of these illegal cases. Restore to them every document and every fund that has been wrongfully withheld. Grant them a no-dues certificate swiftly, that they may be free from this burden. Let Your justice roll down like waters, and Your righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos 5:24). Give them favor with those in authority who can act righteously on their behalf. Strengthen their faith in this trial, Lord, and remind them that You are their Provider, their Protector, and their Vindicator.
We rebuked every spirit of corruption, deceit, and oppression that has sought to harm them. By the blood of Jesus, we break every curse and every scheme of the enemy against them. Let the enemy’s plans be turned against him, and let those who have acted wickedly be caught in their own snares (Psalm 9:15-16). Father, we ask that You turn this situation for their good and Your glory, that many may see Your hand at work and turn to You in faith.
Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Give them wisdom in how to proceed, and surround them with godly counsel. Let them rest in the assurance that You are fighting for them, and they need only be still (Exodus 14:14).
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your faithfulness and Your perfect timing. May Your will be done in this situation, and may Your name be glorified above all. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Stand firm in your faith, dear brothers and sisters. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). If you have not already, we encourage you to seek godly legal counsel and wisdom from mature believers in your church who can walk with you through this trial. Remember, the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15). Trust in Him, and He will act.