Give Thanks Always And For EVERYTHING…
“Fleas!” I cried. “Betsie, the place is swarming with them!” We scrambled across the intervening platforms, heads low to avoid another bump, dropped down to the aisle, and edged our way to a patch of light.
“Here! And here another one!” I wailed. “Betsie, how can we live in such a place?”
“Show us. Show us how.” It was said so matter of factly it took me a second to realize she was praying. More and more the distinction between prayer and the rest of life seemed to be vanishing for Betsie.
“Corrie!” she said excitedly. “He’s given us the answer! Before we asked, as He always does! In the Bible this morning. Where was it? Read that part again!”
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus-”
“That’s it, Corrie! That’s His answer. ‘Give thanks in all circumstances!’ That’s what we can do. We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about this new barracks!”
“Such as?” I said.
“Such as being assigned here together.”
I bit my lip. “Oh yes, Lord Jesus!”
“Such as what you’re holding in your hands.”
I looked down at the Bible. “Yes! Thank You, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here! Thank You for all the women, here in this room, who will meet You in these pages.”
“Yes,” said Betsie. “Thank You for the very crowding here. Since we’re packed so close, that many more will hear!” She looked at me expectantly. “Corrie!” she prodded.
“Oh, all right. Thank You for the jammed, crammed, stuffed packed, suffocating crowds.”
“Thank You,” Betsie went on serenely, “for the fleas and for-“
The fleas! This is too much. “Betsie, there’s no way even God can make me grateful for a flea.”
“Give thanks in all circumstances,” she quoted. “It doesn’t say, ‘in pleasant circumstances.’ Fleas are part of this place where God as put us.” – The Hiding Place, pages 209-210
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My daughter, Paige, and I have been reading The Hiding Place together, and this week we came across this story.
What a powerful reminder as we look at Ephesians 5:20…. “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything…”
For everything, Lord?
Does God really want us to give thanks for relationships in our lives that cause us pain, for heartaches, empty bank accounts, and sick bodies? EVERYTHING?
Can we really learn to give thanks in ALL circumstances? Even for the “fleas” in our lives?
Reading Corrie’s story reminds me that we can. Maybe the thanksgiving just needs, to begin with, a small prayer…
“Lord, help me to see. Open my eyes to see Your hands at work in my life.”
“Help me to praise You for the ‘fleas’ in my life. Help me to thank You for the hard days so that I can appreciate the good ones even more.”
“Thank You for giving me days when my body is weak so I’m reminded You are my strength.”
“Thank You for allowing heartache and pain to enter my life so that I can experience Your sweet presence and know that You truly are near to the brokenhearted.”
“Thank You, Jesus, for the forgiveness You have so graciously given to me and for opening my eyes to see my need for it.”
The fleas in Corrie and Betsie’s barrack were a nuisance, but God had a beautiful purpose for those pesky insects… the protection of all the women in that overcrowded barrack.
You see, the guards knew that the barrack was infested with fleas and because of that, they left the women alone. Through the fleas, God protected these women from abuse, harassment, and worse. Since the guards wanted nothing to do with those women, Corrie and Betsie were able to hold Bible studies freely without interference.
And so I wonder, what “fleas” is God allowing in your life to protect you?
Let’s put into practice our verse for today and begin thanking Him for EVERYTHING: the good, the bad, and the “fleas.”
Let’s Talk: What are you now thankful for that was at one time a “flea” in your life?
Love God Greatly!
Many thanks
Good morning Sally! Many thanks is so right! As I read this morning and as I prayed, I realized I have so much to be thankful for! I’m trying real hard to wear my attitude of gratitude. Have a blessed day!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Amen Sally!! Yes many thanks, overflowing thanks!! God is so good ALL the time!! <3
I have many things that I look at and have a hard time finding gratitude in my heart, BUT, I’m working on it. Struggles…I sometimes feel like everything is so hard. Financially I struggle, mentally, I used to not understand why I had to go through two divorces, why God chooses to keep me single( I feel so lonely sometimes!), why my kids have to struggle?! But I’m learning, slowly but surely, it’s not why I should be asking. I’m trying to pray for my eyes to be opened to what I’m supposed to be learning in each struggle. Singleness used to REALLY bother me! All my friends were married or have no trouble finding a date. But not me, in five years I’ve barely even dated, much less had a relationship. But my eyes have been opened to the fact that God has drawn me close to Him, he broke my heart so I could be healed. I needed to be alone to see that I need HIM. Only he can fill all the empty parts of my heart, only he can heal me, only His love can satisfy me. And I have found a peace in this I never imagined. God is good, and I’m learning to be thankful everyday!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Oh Mondee I can relate. God used my church, He opened my eyes to see it was’t following Him and even though it hurt and was very hurtful, when we left He confirmed everything. How they were looking at the world and not the Savior. We attended that church for 7 years and not one card was sent to any of my children, we left and were immediately forgotten, but God became so real to me then. I sought Him for everything and He was faithful. He does what it takes to bring us so intimately close to Him and showed me what we left was a building, that places like this ministry and these godly women, they are God’s church!! Isn’t it so beautiful to be close to Him??!!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and for being so transparent!! <3
Waiting and watching when all seems bleak.
Anticipation. She’s smiling sweet.
Storms crash over. Eyes are blind.
Winds will topple weaker mind.
Vows sealed strong in confident mess.
Held in His arms. Her God will bless.
Faith and promises tried and true.
Reassurance in skies of blue.
Clearing clouds and bows of wonder.
Sacred earth is heavy under.
Open hearts and eyes to see.
Graceful glimpse of what will be.
Girding strength for this new day.
Joyful journey come what may.
Love this, thank you for sharing!
Mondee~LGG Encourager
I have so many things to be thankful for; one of those is that God led me to your Bible studies. I do have a question. I received the blogs directly to my email, but I haven’t received them this week. Is there something wrong?
Tina I agree, these studies have been a blessing in my life. I feel blessed to have all of you as my sisters in Christ.
Mondee~LGG Encourager
Tina, I believe there is something going on with the emails. I have not been receiving them either, and I have heard the same from others. Thank you for your faithfulness of coming to the blog to read the beautiful posts that the team makes!
“Give thanks in sickness and pain? For what?!” This was my reaction when I read this… but I think I get it now. God doesn’t cause sickness and He doesn’t cause our pain, but we can rejoice in it because although we are outwardly sick, we are strenghtned with might in the inner man and though we are in pain, we are joyful and peaceful in our spirits. When we give thanks for what is on the inside and encourage ourselves in the Lord, the things on the outside start to shrink away. Thank you Jesus
“When we give thanks for what is on the inside and encourage ourselves in the Lord, the things on the outside start to shrink away.”
How true your statement is, Lorraine! Today’s blog reminds me of Romans 8:28 – “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.” No matter what we may face on a day-to-day basis, we can take comfort in knowing that God WILL cause good to come of it – we just have to sometimes increase our patience as we wait for the manifestation of it!
I am going through a time in my life when I am feeling unloved and unwanted by my family. I also have a grandson who was sentenced for 20 years because he had sex with a 14 year old girl.It was consensual but she was only fourteen, soI know he deserves punishment,It hurts to know he is going to be a known as a pedi file for the rest of his life. He is waiting to find out where he will go. I am great full he has his bible, and 23 hours a day to read it. He knows what he did is wrong and is taking full responsibility for it. That is the fleas our life. I know God will be with us for the many years ahead. I am 71 years old, and I will probably never see him walk out of that prison. I ask for prayers for him.
Doretta, remember you are always loved! I’ll pray for your family and your grandson. God has plans for us all and they are good. We may not understand, but we have to trust and lean on his love. I pray that God wraps his loving arms around you and your family and gets you through these times of uncertainty. Hugs to you!
This is incredibly difficult to say, but I thank God for Aspergers Syndrome. My husband and both of our children have now been diagnosed. And while it makes relating to them VERY difficult. It has caused me to look more to God for validation, intimacy, and affirmation! He TRULY is my Rock and my Fortress!! And Lover of my soul!!!
Kathy, thank you so much for sharing your heart. God truly is the only one who can give us the validation, intimacy, and affirmation we need everyday!
Lord, I thank You for strengthening Kathy and her family. Thank You for these diagnoses as they can now begin moving forward with learning strategies and techniques to live wonderful, full lives with You by their sides. I ask that You would continue to have Your hand on her family to strengthen their bonds so that nothing is impossible for them since they have You working for them. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.
Thank you for this post. Father I thank you for the fleas in my life that’s teaching me to produce the fruit of love