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| | Dear Families,
Overly packed barracks, an awful stench, and backbreaking work describe just a few of the challenges that Corrie Ten Boom and her sister, Betsie, faced in Barracks 28 of the feared Ravensbruck Concentration camp. But perhaps one of the most difficult parts of being in the barracks was the horrible flea infestation. "How can we live in such a place!" Corrie cried out as she realized how many fleas also called Barracks 28 their home.
As Corrie’s sister prayed for the Lord to show them how to make it through the awful circumstances they were facing, she realized that God had given them the answer in the Bible passage they had read that morning. In the feeble light of the barracks, the sisters turned in the smuggled Bible to I Thessalonians 5:18. The itching sisters once again read about how God wants us to give thanks in all circumstances. Betsie realized that the answer of how to make it through the difficulties of their unpleasant living situation was to give thanks for every single thing about the new barracks.
Betsie and Corrie began to recount the things that they had to thank the Lord for: being assigned to the same barracks together, being able to smuggle in a Bible, and for the many women crammed in with them so they could share these precious Scriptures. Much to Corrie's shock, Betsie went on to thank God for the fleas. Corrie thought this was too much. How could she possibly give thanks to God for fleas? They were one of the things that made these new barracks so miserable. Betsie gently reminded Corrie that God wanted them to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just pleasant circumstances. So together, the two sisters thanked God for the fleas.
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| As the days rolled on in Barracks 28, Corrie and Betsie found that they were able to hold frequent Bible studies with the other ladies. Much to their amazement, the guards almost never came and checked on them. They did not understand why the guards had so little presence in the dorm when they watched the other areas of Ravensbrook so closely. The ever-growing group was able to read the Scriptures together under the illumination of a single light bulb and worship the Lord. One day, they found out why they were able to have such a fruitful ministry and study the Bible so freely without the guards coming to check up on them. The guards would not check up on them because they did not want to enter Barracks 28 that were so infested with fleas! The thing that was one of the greatest sources of irritation in the barracks became the catalyst that God used to give Betsie and Corrie some of their most fruitful ministry.
2020 has certainly been a year with many unexpected twists and turns. In the midst of all the challenges this year there can be the temptation to grow discouraged or even begin to murmur and complain. As we come to this Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of Ephesians 5:20: "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." God desires that we would give thanks always, for all things—including the challenges and difficulties—trusting that God can use even the most trying of circumstances to conform us to the image of His Son if we receive them with thanksgiving.
God desires that our lives would be marked by giving thanks, not just in November, but always! Just like God used the fleas in Corrie and Betsie's lives to open the door for powerful ministry, God can use the challenges that we face to bring forth His kingdom in our lives if we receive them with thanksgiving. When we give thanks in all things, we have the opportunity to fellowship and commune with God in the midst of everything we walk through. Sometimes we have the tendency to get caught up looking at our circumstances. God desires that we would lift our eyes off of ourselves and look to Him through giving thanks in everything.
What are the "fleas" in your life that God would have you give thanks for today? May the Lord bless you with His joy and peace as you seek His face, abide in His Word, and give thanks in everything. Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings In Christ,
Gabriel Cleator
P.S. We are thankful for the Family Conferences scheduled for 2021 and hope to see you at one next year!
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