"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 NIV84).
Corrie ten Boom and her family spent time in concentration camps for sheltering, hiding and assisting Jews and members of the Dutch resistance during World War II (and most family members lost their lives). The pastor shared that one of the barracks where Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were sent was infested with fleas. Shorty after her arrival, Corrie began a bible study/ prayer time for the women imprisoned with her. They marveled at how openly the Nazi's allowed them to teach and pray. In fact, none of the guards would go near that barracks because of the flea infestation!
Corrie and Betsie spent 10 months in three different prisons, the last being the infamous Ravensbruck concentration camp located near Berlin, Germany. Life in the camp was almost unbearable, but Corrie and Betsie spent their time sharing Jesus' love with their fellow prisoners. Many women became Christians in that terrible place because of Corrie and Betsie's witness to them.
Thankful? Oh my goodness! We (I) all too easily and too often complain about our circumstances. The TV pastor said, "You're broke? Refuse to be broke! You're sick? Refuse to be sick! Choose to be thankful!
Got fleas? Be grateful it's not worse! Thank God! Because He could be protecting you. No--he IS protecting you--saving you from something worse, for something else.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment