Some years ago, I was working salon in an upscale area and had only been working there about 3 weeks when the store was robbed. The day played out like any other, and I was eagerly waiting for the shop to close, so I could begin the 40-minute trek back home. For some reason, the new store manager would always have to open the shop door after closing to go to her car to get keys. Well, when she opened the door, there was a guy who was pretending to be on the pay phone. (This was back in the day- right!) Anyway, he seized the opportunity and forced his way into the store.
Traumatized-she ran to the back of the store, and I found myself alone with the dark character. He stood approx. 6 feet 3 inches tall wearing a black shirt, black pants, black sneakers, black gloves, and a black skull cap. His gun looked like a black 9mm, with a loooong tip at the end. Later I realized this was a silencer. I surprised myself and said, “I don’t want to see your face!” Later on, I scolded myself for saying anything at all.
Strangely, he tucked his head as though he was intimidated and whispered, “Ok, get to the back.”
In the back of the store, the manager was on the floor trying to open the safe. I started to sweat because I knew she forgets the combination to the safe. I started to pray and groaned, “Lord Please let her open this safe.” The last thing I needed was her frustrating this armed and dangerous man. Thank God she opened the safe on the first try. The robber grabbed the money and ran out of the store. Police came; we recalled the events of the incident, and we were left to deal with the trauma and our fears.
Needless to say, I quit that night but had the task of processing the frightening details. Thankfully, the Holy offered, “Don’t focus over and over again on what satan did.” The Holy Spirit continued, “When you talk about what happened, tell everyone that you came out of it without a scratch. Tell them how you did not lose a dime.” He reminded me that we give glory to satan when we describe negative things that happen in our lives. Had I not been given that directive, I would have relived the experience every time I told someone the story. Repeating the story 300 times would only magnify the negative energy. Instead, I discussed what happened with a few people, but I made sure to give God the Glory.
Everyone has negative experiences but does tunnel vision cause you to focus only on the negative things in your life? Have you tried to count the blessings rather than the disappointments? I was able to get through the robbery because I focused on what God did rather than what satan did. Because of my obedience, I slept well and did not suffefromth Post Traumatic Stress. If we apply this reasoning daily, not only would we give God the credit and glory he deserves, but our position of gratitude would help us to live an a more appreciative and peaceful life.