Thank God for Fleas

Have you discovered the treasures in The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom? Let me remind you of one of my favorite stories in this gem.

Corrie along with her family find themselves in Nazi concentration camp for providing refuge to Jews. Women and children have been overcrowded into this ramshackle barracks. Fleas have infested their bedding and clothing. Can you imagine? Bugs crawling on your body day & night, incessantly. It began to take its toll on Corrie. Her older sister Betsie challenged her to thank God for the fleas. She of course at first found this incredulous. But God showed her.

Corrie and Betsie smuggled the Bible into this cesspool. Why? The Word was their safest refuge. Ever faithful witnesses, the two sisters began a Bible Study in the back of their ‘roach motel.’ Non-believers and wayward souls would join in. The light of Jesus shone in the darkest of places through them. How could they do this night after night? The fleas!?! The guards avoided it. The Lord sent fleas to keep them away.

Are you thanking God for your ‘fleas?’ It may be a person or a situation. Are you a faithful witness? Are you shining the gospel difference in your dark corner? It cannot happen with grumbling and complaining. People won’t listen. You must thank God for your fleas and your blessings.

I close with Paul’s charge. ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,’ 1 Thessalonians 5.18.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

You can find the small group guide here (Spirit and Truth for 11/26/17). You can also download the Message 2017 Bible Reading Guide here (The Message).