Give thanks???? How? In the middle of this world mess?
One of the famous true stories that emerged out of the World War II years is of Corrie Ten Boom. Some of you have been inspired by her most famous biographical book, The Hiding Place, or by the movie of the same title. For those who are not familiar, let me give you a highly condensed overview.
Corrie Ten Boom’s parents were dedicated Christ followers in the Netherlands when Germany came to occupy all of western Europe. Her parents were caught hiding Jews, who were being searched out and sent to death camps. The whole Ten Boom family were sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp to work as slaves or die. Her parents died, but Corrie, along with her sister Betsie, remained alive as slave laborers. Ultimately, Corrie was the only one survivor of her family. She lived to be 91 years old, dying eventually in California. Patty and I had the privilege of having her speak to us in person while in Seminary in 1982.
The highlighted part of her story for me was that even though she and Betsie were Christians, it seemed that only Betsie was able to keep a strong faith and remain grateful to God during the most horrific and evil of times put upon them. They were suffering in the worst ways, humanly speaking—and why? Because they were trying to do good. They did absolutely NOTHING WRONG. They were trying to save innocent lives. One part of the story is that on top of all the other horrors, their barracks experienced an outbreak of lice. Corrie wondered where God was in all this, yet Betsie was grateful. How? Because, as she explained, the lice became so bad that the evil-doing guards no longer visited their barracks. God somehow used the lice to keep them out.
In his message on Sunday, Alvin made the point that being ungrateful to God is a sign of an unbeliever. Why? Because that person lives a life based on circumstantial thankfulness only. That person will be thankful when things go their way, but ungrateful when they don’t. The focus is on them. In contrast, a grown-up, fully developed, mature discipled believer gives thanks to God in every circumstance.
Why? How? We have a sovereign God who knows all things. We are following him, knowing that he will make all things work for his ultimate purpose.
Do you see the difference?
- The difference is who we believe to be in charge—us or him?
- The difference is who we want to be satisfied—us or him?
- The difference is whose purpose we want fulfilled—ours or his?
Corrie Ten Boom had to learn from her sister who was really in charge. It wasn’t the Germans. It wasn’t Corrie or Betsie. It was the Almighty God, who was fulfilling his purposes in a broken world.
We don’t need to be reminded again what an incredibly tough and confusing year this has been and continues to be. But as we come to Thanksgiving, and observe this special American holiday to be thankful, let us remind ourselves how to best be thankful to God and not just the circumstances.
An appropriate testimony to thankfulness, reflective of the example of Betsie Ten Boom, comes from God’s Word:
Philippians 4:4-13 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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 in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Happy Thanksgiving to this wonderful church family. I am grateful to God for you.
