As I attempt to rush my three children to the car without them being attacked by the blood-thirsty swarm of mosquitoes, I am reminded of an unforgettable book, The Hiding Place, I read as a young teenager. The story is the account of Corrie ten Boom’s horrific, yet, inspirational ordeal in a Nazi concentration camp.
Her family was apprehended while hiding Jews in their home, and, as a result, suffered unimaginable miseries. These are the type of circumstance that either leave people in utter spiritual despair or strengthen their faith and hope in the Lord. Corrie’s sister, Betsie, was an example of the latter. She smuggled in a small Bible and led secretive Bible studies late at night in the concentration camp. Betsie offered prayers during this time, thanking God for the opportunity to worship Him, and praying for the hearts of their captors.
One night while offering thanks, she even praised God for the fleas that infested their miserable, crowded bunks. Thank God for the flea? thought Corrie. Wasn’t this taking faith a little too far? Later, Corrie discovered that the only reason the Nazi guards disregarded orders to patrol their bunks at night was to avoid the fleas.
The very fleas that Betsie had thanked God for were actually what enabled them to have their Bible studies! If the Nazis had patrolled the bunks at night, there would have been no opportunity to speak freely of the Lord and lead others to Christ. Remembering this story convicts me to stop complaining and start finding something to thank God for. Thank You, God, for good mosquito spray!
Memory Verse:
“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”
-Psalm 34:1 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, help me to remember that You are with me in all circumstances, and forgive me if I have ever doubted your faithfulness. I will continuously praise Your name. Thank You specifically for being with me during . . .”
Contributing Writer:
Tammi Slavin
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