Thank God for the fleas!

Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Sometimes it’s just hard to rejoice and pray and petition with thanksgiving. You might be going through a difficult season where you are petitioning God for change. Maybe you’re recently divorced, without a job, eternally single, or longing for children. A variety of circumstances can suck away our joy and make it hard to pray with thanksgiving.

In her book,The Hiding Place. Corrie ten Boom tells about an occasion that taught her to always be thankful. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been taken to one of the worst concentration camp in Germany in WWII—Ravensbruck. The barracks were cold, overcrowded and flea-infested. Early one morning, they read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which reminds Christians to always rejoice, pray, and be thankful. Betsy told Corrie to stop for a moment and give thanks to the Lord for all of their circumstances. At first Corrie refused, but Betsy insisted. As the months passed in the camp, they were a little surprised at how they could openly hold Bible studies in the barracks without guard interference. Finally, they learned why—the guards didn’t want to enter the barracks and interrupt the Bible Study because of the fleas! Praise God for the fleas!!!

I remember at one point walking through Home Depot in tears, mad at God because I didn’t have a husband to help me fix my house. I was 39 years old and TIRED of going at it alone. It didn’t take long for the Holy Spirit to kick my cry baby butt and remind me that the Lord is my Sustainer and Provider. I needed to stop looking for a mate to take care of me and start relying on the Lord. Now, I thank God for my single season. It has given me the gift of time. I have time to draw nearer to the Lord, to travel, to enjoy my friends, and to have time to myself. And not only that, God always provides a fix it man when I need him most. Last night, my roomies boyfriend so kindly came over and wrapped our pipes before the freeze.

So, I ask you, are there circumstances in your life that require prayer and thanksgiving? Whatever they are, take a minute to stop rejoice and pray with thanksgiving. Trust in God that you are where you are for a reason, thank Him for your season, relinquish control and allow Him to use your circumstances to bring you closer to Him. Then, watch your heart soften and enjoy the peace that will guard your heart.

This blog was posted by Bridge member Kelly Coxe