Thanks in All Circumstances
As I write this, I have been unable to hug my family in over 8 weeks. I have fortunately seen them in the past few weeks in short spurts with quite a bit of social distancing. For some, COVID-19 may have left you unemployed. During this season, you may have suffered anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Some may have even become sick from this illness. It may have left you questioning God.
Corrie ten Boom, and her sister, Betsie, were Dutch Christians during World War II. Unfortunately, they were caught and arrested for helping numerous Jewish people and were imprisoned in a German concentration camp. Upon entering their barracks for the first time, they began to scream due to the fleas they found. Betsie, however, told Corrie they needed to pray and thank God, citing 1 Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 -- Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Betsie reminded Corrie they were alive and together, and because the barracks were so overcrowded, they had many new friends they could share the gospel with. Betsie even made them pray their thanks for the fleas.
As time passed, the sisters realized they could, in fact, be thankful for the fleas. They found the guards would not, under any circumstances, enter their barracks because of the flea infestation. The women understood God was protecting them, even if that protection came in the form of fleas.
Although COVID-19 could be considered our “fleas,” be thankful. I have not been able to be with my family, but I have come to realize just how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for God’s protection over them. I am thankful I have the opportunity to focus on God and do quite a bit of self-reflection concerning my relationship with the Lord during this season. Our communities, including church communities, have begun to think outside the box and become creative with how we interact. We have been able to invite so many more people to “church” online just by sharing a simple video. If nothing else, this season has changed my mindset and truly made me understand where my treasure lies (Matthew 6:21).
Think back to basically every story in the Bible. Although the person faced adversity and uncertainty, God always used those things for their good and made them victorious. In the end, the situation and season brought glory and honor to God. The same goes for this particular season you are in. God will use the fleas.
Pray continually. Rejoice always. Give thanks in all circumstances because there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.