In Everything Give Thanks
In our state we’ve lived with COVID-19 lockdown for about two months now. The shutdown has been inconvenient at best and gut wrenching at worst. Seeing people’s lives and livelihoods needlessly destroyed by overreaching Governors across the country who spew out their draconian “requirements”, is beyond the pale. With the last extension to the shutdown in our state, I asked God in frustration, “Can it get any worse?” Of course I knew it could, but I’m past ready to reopen. Then a couple of videos below popped up while I was watching YouTube about Corrie Ten Boom’s journey through a Nazi prison camp. I knew immediately it could get much worse.
Nazi Concentration Camp
No we don’t live under Nazi control like Corrie Ten Boom did, but there is the stench of the same spirit wafting in the air. Even though I had heard and admired Corrie many years ago, what could I learn from Corrie’s experience that I could apply to today? I began listening and researching her story again. Here are a couple of things I discovered to help us face injustice.
Corrie’s sister Betsie encouraged Corrie to give thanks in everything. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 Click on the concentration camp picture to read a beautiful story about how they gave thanks for the fleas in their beds at the death camp.
Even after being whipped by a guard, Betsie told Corrie not to hate. Years later after one of Corrie’s talks, one of their brutal male guards at the camp they had been at came to her to ask her forgiveness. She said, “Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him....Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness....And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on his. When he tells us to love our enemies, he gives along with the command, the love itself.”
The Bible says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 I know this is hard to do. But Corrie is right. If we try to forgive in our own strength and will, it is impossible. But if we are willing to be made willing and allow the Holy Spirit’s love flow through us, it is possible. Whether the “enemy” asks forgiveness or not, you can be freed and healed in your soul. I speak from experience.
Corrie Ten Boom Showing Where The Jews Hid
Corrie had many encouraging and insightful quotes. A couple that I especially liked are: “There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.” “Don’t bother to give God instructions, just report for duty.” “Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to faultfinding.” Click on the link to read all 40 Powerful Quotes from Corrie Ten Boom from Crosswalk.com
In summary, I think it’s important to acknowledge our feelings of hatred, anger and frustration, recognizing we need to put them in God’s hands. After all, He gave us our emotions and He knows how to deal with them. Remind ourselves that we’re not fighting flesh and blood, but principalities and powers of darkness (Eph 6:10-20). Learn how to shine the light of truth in the darkness. Listen to His still small voice to direct us how we can help others and be a voice for them. And finally, share the love of Jesus where ever we go, even into the pit of hell.
Through dark times, may you find and shine the light of God’s love like Corrie and Betsie did, so that you will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, and brilliant. Subscribe and comment below.