The Fleas

[Red Prudente]

A woman named Corrie Ten Boom tells this story in her book, "The Hiding Place." It took place during the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis. She relates an incident which taught her a very important principle. She and her sister, Betsy had been captured by the Nazis for helping the Jews. They had just been transferred to Ravensbruck, the worst German prison camp they had seen. Upon entering the barracks, they found them extremely overcrowded and flea infested. Their Scripture reading that morning was the reading where Paul says that we should give thanks to God always and for everything. Betsy told Corrie to stop and give thanks to the Lord for every detail of their new living quarters. Corrie at first flatly refused to give thanks for the fleas, but Betsy persisted. She finally succumbed. And during the months spent at that camp, they were surprised to find how openly they could hold Bible study and prayer meetings without guard interference. It was several months later when they learned that the guards would not enter the barracks because of the fleas. Corrie says that she learned a very important lesson. We should thank God for everything because anything can turn out to be a blessing in disguise!

Jesus, St. Paul in one of his letters says that we should give thanks to God always. That is a big word: "always." I must admit, Jesus, that I find this very hard to do when things are not going so well with me. Please help me to be more grateful for the love and concern you have for me. I should always be able to thank you for being with me in time of suffering and for giving me the strength to go on. And thank you for promising me that someday my suffering will come to an end and that I will be happy with You for all eternity in heaven.