Thankful for the fleas?

In her book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom tells of a time she discovered that God was working even in the most horrific circumstances.

Corrie and her sister Betsie had been imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jews.

In the midst of their suffering, the women prisoners found comfort in the secret Bible studies they held in the barracks, with their reeking, straw-bed platforms that swarmed with fleas.

It was Betsie who said they needed to “Give thanks in all circumstances!” They gave thanks for the fact that they were together, that they had a Bible, and even for the horrible crowds of prisoners that were able to hear the Bible lessons.

And then, Betsie gave thanks for the fleas! This was too much for Corrie, but Betsie pointed out that it said in ALL circumstances and the fleas were part of the place they were in.

So…they gave thanks, but Corrie was sure Betsie was wrong.

It turned out that Betsie was NOT wrong; the fleas were a nuisance, but a blessing after all. The women were able to have their Bible studies in the barracks because the guards did not come in and harass them. They discovered it was the fleas that kept the guards out!

We all have “fleas” in our lives. No life is free of them. But we can choose to see the blessings in ALL our circumstances.

 

Where in your life have you found

the blessing in the trials or tribulations you faced?

 

I know that when I was divorced, I was devastated. With two youngsters and limited resources I felt overwhelmed. But looking back, I later realized the blessings that came for me: I learned

• how resilient I was,
• how capable  I was of handling what came my way,
• and how clear I now was on what I would not settle for in the future.

I grew, I learned, I found not only satisfaction but joy in my discoveries of my previously hidden talents!

I’d love to hear what gifts you have found from your less-than-desirable circumstances! How have you handled them?

How surprised were you when you realized there were gifts?!