June 27
The Wallet
on the Bus
“Do not steal. Do not tell lies. Do not cheat one another.”
Leviticus 19:11 (NIrV)
Chase sat silently on the crowded bus, staring out the rain-streaked window. The gray skies reflected his mood—he’d just lost a potential job opportunity, and his wallet was down to its last ten dollars. Life felt like it was piling on, and he wasn’t sure how he’d make it to the end of the month.
As the bus slowed for the next stop, Chase’s eyes drifted to the floor. There, peeking out from beneath a nearby seat, was a wallet. He glanced around, but no one else seemed to notice it. Slowly, he leaned down and picked it up.
Opening the wallet, Chase’s breath caught in his throat. Inside was a thick stack of bills—more than $500 in cash. For a moment, it felt like a miracle, a lifeline in his hour of need. He imagined paying off his overdue bills, stocking up on groceries, and maybe even treating himself to something nice for once.
But then, a quiet voice inside him whispered, This isn’t yours.
Chase shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Who would even know?” he muttered under his breath. He thought about how easy it would be to slip the cash into his pocket and toss the wallet. After all, didn’t he deserve a break? Life hadn’t been kind lately.
But as he sat there, the verse his grandmother used to recite echoed in his mind: “Do not steal. Do not cheat one another.” Chase closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“God,” he prayed silently, “I’m struggling here. I could really use this money, but I know it’s not right. Please help me do the right thing.”
The bus came to a stop near a police station, and Chase stood up. His heart pounded as he walked through the rain-soaked streets, the wallet clutched tightly in his hand. Entering the station, he approached the desk and explained what had happened.
The officer took the wallet with a smile, thanking Chase for his honesty. As he turned to leave, Chase felt an unexpected sense of peace wash over him. The weight of his earlier thoughts was gone, replaced by the quiet assurance that he had honored God.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for guiding us when we face difficult decisions.
Help us to be honest and trustworthy, even when no one is watching.
Teach us to rely on You in our times of need and to trust that You will provide for us in ways far greater than we can imagine.
Thank You for the peace that comes from choosing to live by Your Word.
May we always seek to do what is right and honor You in our actions.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
