When it’s hard to be thankful–Part 1
According to the calendar, Spring has officially arrived. Glorious blossoms, joyful choirs of birds, warmer temperatures, and pollen support the calendar’s claim.
I’m thankful Spring is here!
However, as with most any situation, often there is a downside we face, even as we celebrate joy. Perhaps, like me, you may be adversely affected by pollen. Does the rebirth and renewal of flowers, trees, and grass bring on the despair of constant coughing, sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes?
Another aspect of Spring I dread is bugs. Tiny ants attempt to invade my house–pesky mosquitoes attack me whenever I leave the house–and fleas decide my poor dog is free game.
Although I’m especially thankful for the arrival of Spring, I’ve never been able to muster up appreciation for aggressive bugs and insects.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Yet, we are called to be thankful in ALL circumstances. How is that possible?
During World War II, Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie were imprisoned by the Nazis in Ravensbruck concentration camp. Upon their arrival at the prison, Corrie described her first impression:
When we were taken to our barracks, it was our noses that first told us the place was filthy. The plumbing had backed up somewhere. The bedding was soiled and rancid, and we struggled against nausea that swept over us. When I laid back on the straw-covered platform that was to be our bed, something pinched my leg. “Fleas!” I cried. “Betsie, the place is swarming with them! How can we live in such a place?”
God Is My Hiding Place,* p. 17
Betsie’s response was to pray. She asked God to show them how to be thankful…
“Corrie! God’s answer is to ‘Give thanks in all circumstances!'”
Corrie struggled to understand Betsie’s perspective. How could they give thanks for their circumstances–the filth, the crowding, the horrible living conditions–the fleas!
But Betsie began to name their thanksgivings…
- Betsie and Corrie were together.
- Corrie was allowed to keep their Bible.
- Fleas
Corrie again balked at being thankful for fleas, but she stood with Betsie as her sister gave thanks to God. In her heart, Corrie felt sure her sister was wrong, but didn’t argue. Later, Betsie, being a fast knitter, was assigned to the knitting room. With no interference from the guards, Betsie took the Bible into the knitting room and read aloud for most of each day while the women worked.
Both Betsie and Corrie wondered about the guards allowing the Bible reading and ministry to continue. When a dispute broke our among the knitters, they discovered the answers. The guards refused to enter the room to settle the dispute because of the flea infestation.
Corrie writes:
And I remembered the day Betsie bowed her head and encouraged me to thank God for creatures I could see no use for. It had been the fleas that kept the supervisor and guards away, leaving plenty of time for Betsie to minister to those women.”
God Is My Hiding Place, p. 20
Betsie provided ministry to other prisoners until she became ill and died in the camp. Deeply saddened by the loss of her dear sister, but determined to continue to spread the love of God to others, Corrie survived and continued her ministry until her death in 1983.
Corrie Ten Boom reminds us of the importance of always being thankful:
Thankfulness keeps us connected to the reality of God in our lives. May we all emulate my sister and look for the good in every situation. When we determine in our hearts to be thankful–in all circumstances–we open the door to God’s unexpected blessing and provision.
God Is My Hiding Place, p. 20
Have you experienced circumstances where you struggled with giving thanks? What helped you through those difficult times? Are there particular scriptures that brought you peace and comfort?
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he preceded the verse quoted earlier by urging the people to…
Rejoice always, pray continually,
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Praying for you, my friends.
*Corrie Ten Boom, God Is My Hiding Place: 40 Devotions for Refuge and Strength, Chosen (Baker Publishing): Minneapolis, 2021.
I am reminded again that in God’s word, “All” means “All”; although surrendering to that is something I continue to struggle with. So nice to know I’m not alone in that challenge. Thank you for such an encouraging post today Ms. Katherine. Looking most forward to Part 2, and perhaps Part 27 since we have so much to be thankful for.
Thank you for your encouragement, my friend. It’s helpful to know that others struggle with some of the same issues and that we can encourage and help each other through the hard times. Praying that you and your dear bride have a wonderful week and that the pesky bugs aren’t attacking (much) yet on the Cross-Dubya.
I have a bug aversion, but I remember reading Corrie’s realization that God “provided” the fleas so they could read the Bible in peace. Nice post!
Thank you, Nancy. I know our bug “friends”(?) are a special part of God’s creation and have their purpose, but when I’m being swarmed by mosquitoes or attacked by a nest of raging yellowjackets, it’s hard for me to remember that. We’re all part of His Master Plan. Wishing you a blessed week.
Katherine, Like a book we can’t put down, your post did the same! I knew the story of the fleas, but your application and reminders brought it home to us and so encouraging when we look at obstacles as disguises for trust and thanks. Looking forward to Part 2.
Marilyn, I’m grateful for your kind encouragement. Even in sorrow, God sends us messages of hope through others. Thank you for your ministry of hope.
Katherine, although I have heard this story of the fleas, it was so good to be reminded of it. Even those things we find difficult to express our gratitude, can be for our good, and for our benefit. May we give thanks in all things and trust God knows what He is doing. Thank you for urging me to give thanks today in ALL things!
You’ve expressed our need to give thanks in all things so well, Joanne. And you added that vital component–TRUST! Thank you. Wishing you continued blessings in you ministry.
Being thankful in all things puts our focus on God the Savior and deliverer instead of our problems. Corrie ten Boom is a beautiful example of faith. Thanks for sharing, Katherine.
You are absolutely right, Barbara. Our problems can be overwhelming if we focus on them instead of our Lord and Savior. But we know that God has THE Plan and will always be with us. Jesus reminded us that He will carry our burdens, but we must give them to Him rather than continuing to lug them around on our weak shoulders. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Embracing Paul’s admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 has been hard sometimes. But the more time that passes, the more I see that God works all things for good.
That makes it easier to trust Him and give thanks in all situations.
Wonderful post.
I agree, Candyce, it really is hard to be thankful in all situations and I confess–I’m not there yet. But, I am trying to be and I believe our efforts are recognized and God will continue to strengthen our faith, trust, and perseverance. I’m so thankful that He never gives up on us. Wishing you a blessed week.
The Hiding Place is one of my favorite books. Every time I read it, I’m humbled and challenged. It seeks like if Bestie could be thankful for fleas, a person could be thankful for almost anything. How wonderful to realize God could use even fleas for his purpose. Thanks for this, Katherine.
I remember my first time reading The Hiding Place and my wonder and admiration of Corrie and Betsie for their strength of faith and trust in their God. Such wonderful role models for us! I confess to still struggling to be thankful for mosquitoes and fleas; however, I agree with you–God can make all things work for good, according to His purpose. May your week be filled with joy and blessings, Terri.
Thanks for the challenge. It can be a challenge to give thanks in all situations. But like Corrie learned, a life of thanksgiving is a life well lived.
Yes, Sarah, I agree that it is challenging to give thanks in all circumstances, but we can help by praying for each other. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Wishing you joy, peace, and blessings.
Thank you, Joanne, for your kind encouragement.
Corrie and Betsie’s testimony of God’s love and light triumphing over hate and darkness brings such encouragement to us. Thanks for sharing, Katherine.
I agree, Lisa, and if we ever needed “love and light” to triumph over the darkness in our world, it is now. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and encouragement. Wishing you joy and blessings!
I’ve always loved that story of Corrie Ten Boom. It encourages and convicts. Thanks for bringing to mind again, thankfulness in all circumstances is obedience.
I had not thought of thankfulness as obedience, but you are absolutely right, Sylvia. Thank you for sharing that truth with us. I’m always inspired by Corrie Ten Boom’s faith, courage, love, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Such a wonderful role model. Wishing you continued blessings in you ministry, Sylvia.
I haven’t thought about that story about Corrie and Betsy in a long time, Katherine. How inspiring it is to think about their circumstances when I’m tempted to complain instead of being thankful.
Their stories are so powerful, aren’t they? Like you, I am chastened by their courage in the face of adversity when I whine and complain over inconsequential issues in comparison to their trials. Thanks so much for stopping by, Annie, and sharing your thoughts.
I love the story you shared, Katherine. What a testimony! I remember a time when a job was so hard—one I felt unprepared for and incapable of performing. God answered my daily pleas for help although I wasn’t always pleased with my ability. Later, when asked to fill another teaching position, I thanked God for each challenge in the first job that prepared me for the next one.
I understand, Jeannie. I’ve had challenges that I only made it through because God carried me. We are blessed that He answers our call for help and He knows exactly what we need. Wishing you a joy filled Spring!
We are on our third spring here in Montana. I too love seeing new life. Especially the flowers and baby animals. A beautiful picture that God makes all things new.
We are in the midst of another cold snap here, too. Spring will come! It’s my favorite season, like you I love the burst of new life, the renewal of nature in all her glorious splendor, and the amazing beauty of flowers as they shout out through their profusion of blossoms…”Look! Look! See what God has made!”
Katherine, I appreciated this post that emphasizes the bible’s commandment to be thankful in all circumstances and the story of Corrie and Betsy and the fleas that helped protect them is such a wonderful example of that.
Corrie and Betsie’s steadfast faith makes me feel inadequate, but I’m so grateful for their wonderful example. Thank you for your encouragement, Kathy. Wishing you continued blessings in your service to our Lord.
Hi Katherine,
I am reading “The Hiding Place” for the first time and am amazed by the courage of both Betsie and Corrie. Your encouragement today is such a helpful reminder to me right now.
Blessings,
Tammy
The Hiding Place touched me deeply when I read it. Corrie and Betsie (and their father) are such wonderful examples of sharing God’s love with others. Thank you for your encouragement, Tammy.
Thank you, Katherine, for this beautiful reminder to give thanks in all circumstances.
Thank you for being an encourager, LuAnn.
Thanks for the reminder to be thankful in all circumstances, even ones that don’t look so great on the surface. I remind myself that God is in control, and can bring beauty from ashes.
When I was “faithless” God continued to be faithful to me. I agree with you, He brings beauty from the ashes, and salvation, peace, and comfort to the lost. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Joanna.