“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content …. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:12-13
From the book The Hiding Place (1971), you can read of sisters Corrie and Betsie ten Boom who were imprisoned in Ravensbrück, a Nazi concentration camp. Their contentment in desperate circumstances was astounding. They were assigned barracks containing platforms full of rancid straw which was infested with fleas. Betsie prayed, asking God how they could live in these conditions and then later proclaimed, “Corrie! He’s given us the answer! Before we asked, as He always does! It was in the Bible this morning.”
Corrie went to the Bible they’d smuggled in and read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
There was the answer—give thanks in all circumstances. Betsie proceeded to thank God that Corrie was with her, that they had a Bible, and even for the fleas. It turned out that the fleas kept the guards out of the barracks so they could read the Bible!
Corrie went to the Bible they’d smuggled in and read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
There was the answer—give thanks in all circumstances. Betsie proceeded to thank God that Corrie was with her, that they had a Bible, and even for the fleas. It turned out that the fleas kept the guards out of the barracks so they could read the Bible!
Scripture Focus
Philippians 4:10-20
Insight
Lord, help us to trust Your Word and promises even in the worst circumstances, giving us unimaginable contentment. Amen
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 61-62
- Psalm 101
- Acts 24-25