Here is a story all about considering what God is actually up to; then consider this question, so then is the difficult and trying situation that we are in, is it actually and really helping us, and protecting us, from an even worse and a most disastrous predicament out there?
Giving Thanks for Fleas; “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17)
Corrie Ten Boom, in ‘The Hiding Place,’ relates an incident that taught her an important principle. She and her sister, Betsy, had just been transferred to the worst German prison camp they had seen yet, Ravensbruck.
Upon entering the barracks, they found them extremely overcrowded, and flea infested. Their Scripture reading that morning in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, had reminded them to rejoice always, pray constantly, and to give thanks in all circumstances. Betsy told Corrie to stop, and to thank the Lord for every detail of their new living quarters. Corrie at first flatly refused, to give any thanks for the fleas, but Betsy persisted. She finally succumbed.
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.
There are times in our lives when we refuse to be thankful, especially when something is uncomfortable or causing us grief and pain. We rarely feel inclined to thank God for the traffic on the freeway, the unhappy clients at work, the tantrums our toddlers have, or the unexpected illnesses that keep us from doing all the things we planned to do. However, I have learned to sit and to listen in the discomfort, because even there, God is ever present. Just like the fleas which allowed Corrie and Betsy to freely share the Gospel and to freely worship with others, our uncomfortable circumstances could well also lead us to something greater.
The tantrums my two-year-old throws is developing patience and love in me, and also teaching me how to discipline effectively. Common illnesses have forced me to slow down and spend time with God. The difficult client at work has led me to a deeper prayer life. Listening to worship songs in the traffic has allowed me to have the most meaningful times with my Heavenly Father.
The next time you find yourself in unpleasant circumstances, thank God for that, and ask Him to draw near and to please show you, His will. Everything in the life of a Christian has a purpose. Let’s take a moment to thank God for the “fleas” today.
Suggested prayer: Lord, in every moment, you are ever there. Every feeling I experience, you see, and always want me to tell you all about it. Thank you for all the nuisances I encounter every day, which teach me patience. Instead of complaining, help me be thankful for all that you are doing in the middle of it. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Anon
Remember this is; “Frying Pan – Fire,” analogy, you may well be in a distasteful “Frying Pan” situation, it’s certainly not very nice, but it is certainly so much better than jumping right out of it and into the fire, or even worse, to lose your Soul, and to jump right out of ‘God’s Protective Care,’ and to then land up losing all in the fires of Hell, to be sadly discovering that your soul is lost, eternity is forever locked away from you, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].” Self-inflicted trials are of our own inadvisable, selfish and willful ways, but when God needs to purify us, to purge out some dross, some impurity, the fires of trials can come in if we are slow to act quickly, and to repent of or own free will. But then again, what are the “Fleas,” protecting you from, that ‘frying pan – fire concept,’ that fleas are way better and safer than what is out there trying to harm and to destroy you, let us stay safe in the arms of Jesus, following his will, and always to be quick to respond, rapid to obey, forever humble and obedient servants of God. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Quote; “We are to make the best of our present opportunities. There will be no other probation given to us in which to prepare for heaven. This is our only and last opportunity to form characters which will fit us for the future home which the Lord has prepared, for all who are obedient to His commandments.” {LDE 236}. Hebrews 13:5 “[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].” Here is a verse from a Fanny Crosby Hymn, Quote; “Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe from corroding care, Safe from the world’s temptations, Sin cannot harm me there. Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears; only a few more trials, only a few more tears.” Just a few more troubles, just a few more cares, and then sin and Satan, wickedness, evil and all grief will be no more, then let us live Godly lives right now, to practice in every day, and in every way, our redemption, at last in Eternity, to live forever free from pesky Flea infestations.
