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| Corrie Ten Boom |
One of my favorite stories in The
Hiding Place features Corrie Ten Boom learning to be thankful is
all things from her sister, Betsie. They were in a prison camp
without much to be thankful but the Bible says, “ in everything
give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJ)
They were thankful for being together,
for having a Bible and, even, for the crowded conditions that created
an environment where more women would hear the nightly Bible studies.
Many women gave their heart to Jesus as a result. When Betsie gave
thanks for the fleas, Corrie objected, “Betsie, there’s no way
even God can make me grateful for a flea.”
“‘Give thanks in all
circumstances,” Betsie corrected. “It doesn’t say, ‘in
pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are part of this place where God has
put us.”
Weeks would pass before Corrie would
learn the reason why they were so free to witness, without
interruption, in the barracks. The guards were avoiding the terrible
flea infestation. “And we know that in all things God works for the
good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)
It can be hard to see God's hand in
difficult circumstances but we know that revivals have come in the
midst of troubled times. The Reformation came when the church had
strayed from Biblical teaching. A prayer revival exploded in New York
City following the 1857 stock market crash. Good Friday led to Easter
Sunday.
How will God use the bleak
circumstances of our current situation? Paul used arrest and
imprisonment as an opportunity to witness to jailers and judges. He
wrote letters to encourage the churches while way.
God is still at work. Let's look for
ways to join him.
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