”Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).
In the book, The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells about an incident that taught her how to give thanks in all things. During WWII, Corrie and her sister had been hiding Jews in their home. They were subsequently arrested and imprisoned at the infamous Ravensbruck Camp. The barracks were extremely crowded and infested with fleas.
One morning, they read in their Bible from 1Thessalonians 5:18, reminding them to be thankful in all circumstances. But, Corrie contended, “You mean, we’ve got to give thanks for this barracks and even these fleas? No way am I going to thank God for fleas.” However, Corrie’s sister was insistent. So, together they thank God even for the fleas.
During the months that followed, they noticed the guards were not entering the barracks. Their only means of shelter had become a place of refuge. Several months later, Corrie learned the reason the guards never entered the barracks was all because of those blasted fleas.
Like Corrie ten Boom, many of us learn this lesson after the fact. The things that curse and bewilder us most often turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The coworker who frequently critiques our work ultimately helps us avoid a costly mistake. The neighbor who cannot mind his own business prevents a porch pirate from stealing a package from our front porch. Or the adversary who knows which of our buttons to push also becomes the person God’s Spirit uses to increase our patience. Oftentimes the bitter pill we are pressed into swallowing can eventually produce sweet results.
Paul is right. We have every cause to be thankful in all the circumstances of life. This doesn’t mean we have to like the challenges we face. But we can appreciate the value they may offer us. No matter how difficult the experience, God never wastes an opportunity to bring about good in our lives.
So, don’t allow the fleas in life to bug you. Your immediate nemesis may prove to be your greatest ally, if not your saving grace.
In the book, The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom tells about an incident that taught her how to give thanks in all things. During WWII, Corrie and her sister had been hiding Jews in their home. They were subsequently arrested and imprisoned at the infamous Ravensbruck Camp. The barracks were extremely crowded and infested with fleas.
One morning, they read in their Bible from 1Thessalonians 5:18, reminding them to be thankful in all circumstances. But, Corrie contended, “You mean, we’ve got to give thanks for this barracks and even these fleas? No way am I going to thank God for fleas.” However, Corrie’s sister was insistent. So, together they thank God even for the fleas.
During the months that followed, they noticed the guards were not entering the barracks. Their only means of shelter had become a place of refuge. Several months later, Corrie learned the reason the guards never entered the barracks was all because of those blasted fleas.
Like Corrie ten Boom, many of us learn this lesson after the fact. The things that curse and bewilder us most often turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The coworker who frequently critiques our work ultimately helps us avoid a costly mistake. The neighbor who cannot mind his own business prevents a porch pirate from stealing a package from our front porch. Or the adversary who knows which of our buttons to push also becomes the person God’s Spirit uses to increase our patience. Oftentimes the bitter pill we are pressed into swallowing can eventually produce sweet results.
Paul is right. We have every cause to be thankful in all the circumstances of life. This doesn’t mean we have to like the challenges we face. But we can appreciate the value they may offer us. No matter how difficult the experience, God never wastes an opportunity to bring about good in our lives.
So, don’t allow the fleas in life to bug you. Your immediate nemesis may prove to be your greatest ally, if not your saving grace.