Thanksgiving is always an interesting time. It seems to be the one time of year when people really stop to think about what they are most thankful for. I find myself doing the very same thing. Usually, it’s very easy for me to think of so many wonderful things to thank God for. However, that’s not what I want you to think about right now. This may seem backwards, but I want you to think of the things you are LEAST thankful for. Who is that person you can’t stand? What is that thing you can’t tolerate? What are the circumstances in your life that you just can’t seem to see anything good in?
It’s easy to be thankful when things are going great, but what about when things are rough? Then what do we do? Are we as thankful for the bad things as we are for the good? Check out what God says to us in the book of Thessalonians:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The ten Boom family lived in Holland during World War II. They were put into a concentration camp for hiding Jews from the Nazis. While in the concentration camp Corrie, along with her sister Betsy, started a Bible study with the other women in their barracks. One day, Betsy was reading the verses in 1 Thessalonians and shared them with Corrie. That night Betsy prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to God thanking him for everything, including the fleas that infested their mattresses, blankets, and clothes. Corrie told Betsy that surely God couldn’t mean they were to be thankful even for the fleas; however, Betsy pointed out that it said to give thanks in ALL circumstances. This was hard for Corrie to swallow, but nonetheless she said she’d try to find a reason to be thankful even for the fleas.
A few days later, while the Betsy and Corrie were having a conversation with one of the other women, the fleas were mentioned. The woman told them that because of the fleas the guards wouldn’t even come in the barracks for fear of getting fleas. Corrie and Betsy looked at each other and smiled. This was the reason they could be thankful for the fleas! Because of the fleas Corrie and Betsy could lead a Bible study with the women and the guards wouldn’t come in. Praise the Lord!
This is a true story of godly women the God chose to use in difficult circumstances for His glory. So I give you this challenge: What are the “fleas” in your life? Ask God to show you ways that you can be thankful for everything in your life, good and bad. Because regardless of what we are going through, God is still in control, and that to me is reason enough to be thankful, even when it’s difficult.
It’s easy to be thankful when things are going great, but what about when things are rough? Then what do we do? Are we as thankful for the bad things as we are for the good? Check out what God says to us in the book of Thessalonians:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The ten Boom family lived in Holland during World War II. They were put into a concentration camp for hiding Jews from the Nazis. While in the concentration camp Corrie, along with her sister Betsy, started a Bible study with the other women in their barracks. One day, Betsy was reading the verses in 1 Thessalonians and shared them with Corrie. That night Betsy prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to God thanking him for everything, including the fleas that infested their mattresses, blankets, and clothes. Corrie told Betsy that surely God couldn’t mean they were to be thankful even for the fleas; however, Betsy pointed out that it said to give thanks in ALL circumstances. This was hard for Corrie to swallow, but nonetheless she said she’d try to find a reason to be thankful even for the fleas.
A few days later, while the Betsy and Corrie were having a conversation with one of the other women, the fleas were mentioned. The woman told them that because of the fleas the guards wouldn’t even come in the barracks for fear of getting fleas. Corrie and Betsy looked at each other and smiled. This was the reason they could be thankful for the fleas! Because of the fleas Corrie and Betsy could lead a Bible study with the women and the guards wouldn’t come in. Praise the Lord!
This is a true story of godly women the God chose to use in difficult circumstances for His glory. So I give you this challenge: What are the “fleas” in your life? Ask God to show you ways that you can be thankful for everything in your life, good and bad. Because regardless of what we are going through, God is still in control, and that to me is reason enough to be thankful, even when it’s difficult.
Yes, you got my attention with that title! And a life lesson too often forgotten, too! Shirley
ReplyDeleteI guess you've read "The Hiding Place"? Wonderful book, isn't it? I like your blog; keep it up and God bless!
ReplyDelete~Kendra
I have always been inspired by the unquenchable zeal for the Lord that the Ten Boom sisters had in the face of all their pain and adversity. By the way, I think you are a very good writer and have a blog which stands out from the rest.=) Keep writing for the glory of God.
ReplyDelete