As you may know, I was involved in a robbery at work this past week. I feel that I would be very much in the wrong not to share some of the things that I have learned from it with you.
I have learned that in just a matter of seconds your whole world can be turned upside down. I walked out of the door to leave work and was instantly in a life or death situation. There was no longer an opportunity to answer an invitation to make my life right with the Lord. There was no more opportunity to read one more verse of Scripture, pray one more prayer or do one more good deed. This was it! Time for the test!
I have learned that when your life is right with the Lord, fear is not an option. I screamed as I was startled by this man’s appearance so suddenly close to me and with a “weapon” in my side to intimidate me. He demanded “the money” (night deposit) and I answered back that I didn’t have the money. He demanded a second time that I give him the money, and just as adamantly I insisted that I didn’t have the money. Fear would have panicked and offered to take him to the money. Taking him to the money most surely would have endangered me and/or my co-worker. I am not claiming to be any hero, but the Lord gave me courage not to back down and this guy took the path of least resistance and grabbed my purse and keys and took off.
I have learned that anger soon displaces the adrenaline rush of the moment. He walked away with my ID, my access to money in order to live, both of which are temporary, but worst of all he has created a fear and insecurity for their safety in the minds of everyone with whom I work. That seriously makes me angry even to the point of tears. The flashbacks that occur when I least expect them make me angry for the fear I now experience. My prayers are now for this man that he may be pricked in his heart and turn his life around and never do this to anyone else.
I have learned that Satan never lets up. As Scripture says, “because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). I am convinced that the more involved one is in the work of the Lord, the more Satan views one as his prey. He wants us to be overwhelmed not to overcome the obstacles he places before us. However, I also know that with every test that one endures, God gives strength, confidence and courage to go on. None of us are strong on our own—it is His strength in us.
I have learned that I am a grateful part of a wonderful church family that does practice what it preaches. I am so very thankful for the love, prayers and support from brethren.
