I was working in Los Angeles, at a client’s facility. They were a medical testing laboratory and my company supplied the test equipment. It required periodic maintenance and calibration. This particular area of Los Angeles had a very bad reputation as a dangerous neighborhood. Gang murders and drugs dealers were the rule of thumb.
On one particular visit, the equipment had failed and needed repair. Usually we went there during the normal business hours and those daylight hours were the calmest; but on this particular visit the problem could not be resolved quickly and I ended up working there until late at night. I had arrived at about 9:00 A.M., so by evening, I was pretty hungry. I decided to take a short break and get a bite to eat. When I asked the local staff where I could get some food, they recommended a small, local deli, just two blocks over. I drove this street to get there, so I knew that it is busy and has cars parked all along it. There was no way that I could drive and find parking any closer than I was. I felt a little silly even thinking about driving the two blocks in the first place, but I had been warned by my company about this neighborhood.
I went outside. It had only been sunset for a few minutes, but enough so that the street lights were on. I walked toward the deli and arrived safely. I got my sandwich and drink and headed back. I met three or four people on the way back. All of them acknowledged me with a smile or nod. I got back to the site, ate and although I worked most of the night, repaired the equipment.
On another occasion, I was in a very posh restaurant in Manhattan. There was a wait so I waited in a crowded area with many other patrons who were milling about, getting drinks while they waited, checking with the desk to see how much longer their wait was, etc.
My friends and I were finally called and we went in for an excellent meal. Someone else got the check at the end and we left, said goodnight to each other and headed off our separate ways. I returned to my hotel to change. When I did I realized that all of my cash was gone. I had been robbed. My pocket had been picked in the crowd and about $200.00 cash had been removed from my pocket! So much for being able to recognize where the danger truly is. No one had mentioned this danger to me.
I am reminded of how much we need to depend on God to lead us. Our sight is clouded by our own understanding to the point that we don’t always see the truth clearly. I had been warned by friends and co-workers to be cautious and aware of my surroundings in Los Angeles, but no such warning had ever been issued to me about posh, well known, expensive restaurants. The problem is that thieves know that they are posh, well known and expensive restaurants too. They know that the guests are going to have money and credit cards. Truly, a real and fruitful grazing ground for a skilled thief!
We all have that still small voice inside of us. The more we settle ourselves and listen, the more adept we become at recognizing it and yielding to it. Take some time today to be still and listen to God. Read His word and pray; but don’t just talk, listen too. Blessings!

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