Fear Not – He Has a Plan
Do you trust that God can use something bad for the good? When I read the following, it revealed something that I needed to hear. Maybe you need a change in perspective, too.
Betsie and Corrie ten Boom spent time in a concentration camp for hiding Jews in their home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. I’m sure you remember the story. There are so many examples of them being forced to face their ultimate fears while being forced to stay in such unimaginable conditions. The Hiding Place has to be the most amazing book I’ve ever read.
I won’t go into every story or a lot of detail, but have to share this one thing.
At one point they had to sleep on straw that had an unbearable odor and the room was swarming with fleas. Can. You. Imagine?
Corrie’s sister, Betsie, managed to find a way to focus on the positive. She reminded Corrie that they should be thankful that they were able to keep their Bible (which went in with them unnoticed), that they were still together, that they would have opportunities to share the gospel with the new women they were grouped with, and last but not least—they needed to thank God for the fleas.
Corrie couldn’t see how anyone could be thankful for fleas. Can’t say that I blame her. Here’s the thing- they had just studied the following scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 That’s exactly what Betsie did.
When the sisters were moved to their new location, they had a little more freedom. They weren’t watched as closely as before, which gave them freedom to share the gospel to the other women. They often wondered why the supervisors weren’t around like before, but they were relieved. If you get a chance to read their story, you will understand.
Here’s the best part of the story.
Betsie later discovered the reason why they had so much freedom.The supervisors didn’t come into their area because of the fleas. THE FLEAS!
Who would’ve thought that something so disgusting could be so good?
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