In her book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom shares the harrowing tale of how she, her father and sister Betsie were arrested for harboring Jews from the Nazis in Holland. After weeks of solitary confinement, Corrie and Betsie reunited in a concentration camp where they were assigned to a flea ridden barracks. Their horror at discovering the little critters prompted them to seek out the Bible passage they’d read earlier that day in the pocket Bible Corrie was able to smuggle into the camp.
As they read, the verse “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) captured their attention. Although it wasn’t immediately clear what about their circumstances to be thankful for, the sisters obeyed the Holy Spirit’s prompting and thanked God even for the fleas.
Over the following weeks, the Ten Boom’s shared God’s word and prayed with the other ladies in their barracks without interruption from the guards. Eventually, Betsie realized that the guards avoided their room because of the flea infestation. This enabled Betsie and Corrie to read the Bible and pray freely with their roommates! Amazed, they praised God who demonstrated that even fleas could be utilized for His glory.
The challenges of 2020 could easily leave us struggling with reasons to be thankful. But this Thanksgiving and always, we can express gratitude to God for His presence, love, faithfulness and Jesus, our Savior. To Him who causes all things to work together for our good be glory, honor, praise and thanksgiving today and forever.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Remi
Wordzpread 