In everything, give thanks.

If we are honest, do we really give thanks for everything?
Not just for the good times, but for the hard times as well?
For seasons of plenty and seasons of want?
When our hearts are full of joy, but also when they are breaking?

Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie were imprisoned in the Nazi concentration camp at Ravensbrück. The barracks were overcrowded and infested with fleas. Somehow, they had managed to smuggle a Bible into the camp, and as they read it together, they came across the instruction to give thanks in all circumstances and to trust that God can work all things for good.

Betsie said this meant they should thank God even for the fleas.

Corrie could hardly believe it. She did not want to do that. But Betsie insisted, so at last Corrie joined her in thanking God, even for the fleas.

In the months that followed, something unexpected happened. The guards never entered their barracks. Because of that, the women were spared much abuse. It also gave Corrie and Betsie the freedom to hold Bible studies and prayer meetings right there in the middle of that dark and terrible place. Through those gatherings, many women came to faith in Christ.

Only later did they discover why the guards stayed away.

It was because of the fleas.

James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

That does not mean everything is good. Some things are painful, unjust, and heartbreaking. But it does mean that even in the hardest places, God is still able to move, redeem, and reveal His goodness.

The world is facing many challenges, and a prayer like this can feel costly. But when gratitude feels hard, remember the fleas of Ravensbrück.

And thank God anyway.