READY FOR TRIAL

Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalm 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2

“I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

“I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. ”

“Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.”

“Ready for trial, your Honor!” There are few words that set a litigator’s heart to pumping harder than actually getting to try a case. Today, assuming all goes according to plan, I will be starting trial in one of the largest jury trials of its kind in this state’s history. We have been preparing for weeks. All the briefs and motions are filed, the questions and arguments are outlined, the witnesses are prepared, and all that remains is just to do it. We have left no stone unturned. For the first time in my career of trial law, I am not nervous at all. I have tried a number of cases, and every time before, not only has my pulse quickened, but my hands have started to shake, my breath has speeded up, and I obsessed about what I might have forgotten, and worried about whether I would be good enough. Not this time. I have fully prepared, in advance. There is no way my adverse witness is going to get the better of me. Our evidence is strong; theirs is weak; the law and experts favor our side; and worst case, we will get to write some new appellate law on a couple of legal issues. It’s a dream position for any attorney, and to top it off, we are trying it in a pretty idyllic, resort setting. Occasionally, I actually do love my job…. Tomorrow may look very different. Trials have a way of going in their own, unexpected directions. But then, we aren’t supposed to worry about tomorrow, are we? No, we are just supposed to give our best to the present and let the rest take care of itself.

But enough digression. I have a confession to make. For me personally, getting ready for trial meant more than just doing my legal bit. It also meant getting a little ahead on my Bible study and blogging so I can give full attention to the client over the next ten days or so. (This, for example, is actually being written on the 17^th.) Quite literally, I found myself getting ready for trial by intensifying my Bible study and prayer time. And I began to understand in the process why I am not better prepared for the trials of everyday life. Simply, it’s because I am not scheduled for, and I do not anticipate, those trials. I don’t take constant preparation and vigilance seriously enough. No wonder when life comes fast, sin so often seems to carry the day.

Christian study is no easy task. Spiritual preparation takes an amazing amount of time, actually. It is also true, however, that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifice. Seven or eight months ago, I would have been overcome with anxiety about now. But in a way I cannot explain, the tide has definitely turned in that particular battle, at least for the present. It is honestly supernatural; I have to believe the discipline of this project has something very direct and powerful to do with it. Regardless, nerves are much less of a problem now. Negativism is relegated to the back row. Potential now seems more important than self-preservation. And things overall are better that way.

I’ve always envied the attorneys who just think trial is fun. There are times when it is decidedly not fun at all. But at least going in, I’m feeling this case will be different. It will be hard fought. All the skills of both trial teams will be tested as we compete to achieve our respective visions of justice for our clients. It’s what we’ve trained and prepared to do. It will be fun, and may even be fun to watch.

So, here’s my conclusion: I very much want to feel about life generally the way I feel about this trial. I want to be fully prepared to be the Lord’s man no matter what situation arises, or what struggles are necessary. I want to continue learning and experiencing grace and forgiveness and always be ready to capitalize on the chance to share them with others. And I hope and pray I am not alone in the way I feel. Jesus is ready to do great things through each of us. We need to be ready, and should anticipate being used by Him in glorious ways to enrich the Kingdom!