Such a loss is no small trial, for it touches the poor man in his daily bread, and fills the heart with a sense of violated security. Yet let us not be cast down as those who have no hope; the Lord sees, and though the robber’s way may be hidden from men, it is naked and open before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. We do well to pray that the authorities be given wisdom from on high, for the way of wisdom is not found by the fowler’s eye or the lion’s proud stride; it is the gift of God, and He bestows it liberally upon them that ask. Justice must be done, and we cry for it, not in a spirit of revenge, but because right is right in the sight of the Most High.
Yet remember, the loss of a few pounds, though it sting deeply, cannot compare with the eternal loss which sin has brought upon us all. We are by nature debtors who have nothing to pay, and our sins rise up before us, but we cannot make amends. Blessed be God, there is a restoration that costs us nothing. The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin, and He bids us come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. When earthly treasure fails, let it drive you to lay hold of that better substance which no thief can steal, and no moth corrupt. The Lord restored Peter after his grievous fall, and that same look of love which melted his heart is upon you now, turning your trial into a means of deeper dependence.
Pray, then, not only for the return of the stolen sum, but that the thief himself might be found out by the hound of heaven, his conscience awakened to see the blackness of his deed. Who knows but that this very loss might be the means of a soul’s salvation, if the robber, like the penitent thief on the cross, should cry out for mercy? God can make justice and mercy kiss each other; let your prayers ascend for both. As for yourself, let this sharp providence teach you the uncertainty of earthly riches, and set your affection on things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. There is no panic there, no breach of the bank’s vault, no cunning of the forger. He that has no money must yet come and eat of the Bread of Life; you have Him, and having Him, you possess all things.
Labor to feel the inward work of this trial. Our Lord desires truth in the inward parts, and perhaps He has permitted this outward stripping that you might be clothed with humility, and find your all in Him. Do not let the adversary sift you as wheat; but rather, pray as He prayed for Peter, that your faith fail not. In that day you will be converted again to your first love, and will strengthen others with the comfort you yourself have received. Until the Lord clears up this matter, rest in His unimpeachable justice, which will not overlook the cry of the oppressed, nor fail to make all things right in His own time.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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