A Blessing or a Curse?

Holocaust survivor and devout Christian Corrie ten Boom recounts how her sister Betsie thanked God for the fleas infesting their packed barracks.  When Corrie resisted the idea, Betsie pointed out that 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances.”

Still, Corrie wasn’t convinced — until the sisters realized the infestation kept the guards away, giving prisoners in those quarters freedom to worship and pray.  The biting pests, which seemed like added misery, became a blessing.

Anger and bitterness sometimes cloud our vision, causing us to forget to thank God in all situations, though not necessarily for them.  Other times we don’t wait long enough for blessings to be revealed. But faith is like waiting through a storm, knowing a rainbow is coming eventually.  Meanwhile, the Lord holds an umbrella for us, and the closer with Him we walk, the less wet we’ll get.

Focus on God and living for Him rather than your problems and selfish desires.  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercy endures forever!