November 23, 2014

The Shepherd's Corner

How we thank God and what we thank Him for usually vary according to situation.  I think it is a given, the better the situation is, the more selective the item of thanks and the more lavish the expression will be.  Inversely the worse the situation is, the simpler the item of thanks and the expression will be.How we thank God and what we thank Him for usually vary according to situation.  I think it is a given, the better the situation is, the more selective the item of thanks and the more lavish the expression will be.  Inversely the worse the situation is, the simpler the item of thanks and the expression will be.

Darlene Deibler Rose was a missionary in Sulawesi when World War II broke out.  She, her husband, and other fellow missionaries were consequently detained in Japanese prison camps.  However, in spite of her poor and trying condition she still found reasons to give thanks to God.  In fact she says, “I had much to be thankful for.”

In her prison camp there was a mean guard whom she named, “the Brain.”  Once she had to pass the gate and it just so happened that the Brain did not notice her walk by.  Just for that simple happening, she “poured out” her gratitude to God.  Even when she cried, she thanked God for the tears because, “tears were a gift from Him to ease the hurt, a gift to be shared with others who were hurting.”

I don’t think in normal circumstance we would give thanks to God for not being seen by somebody or for shedding tears.  But, in an abnormal circumstance, not being noticed and tears are more than enough to make us want to give thanks to God.  Every little thing becomes a precious blessing from God!

Darlene was very much aware of the devastating effect of cruelty that she was subject to.  It was therefore her prayer to God, “if I come out of this war alive, I may be ‘sweet-smelling’—not bitter or cynical.”  Oh yes, there is nothing more sweet-smelling than being grateful to God!  It is the antidote for bitterness.

Pastor Paul
Darlene Deibler Rose was a missionary in Sulawesi when World War II broke out.  She, her husband, and other fellow missionaries were consequently detained in Japanese prison camps.  However, in spite of her poor and trying condition she still found reasons to give thanks to God.  In fact she says, “I had much to be thankful for.”

In her prison camp there was a mean guard whom she named, “the Brain.”  Once she had to pass the gate and it just so happened that the Brain did not notice her walk by.  Just for that simple happening, she “poured out” her gratitude to God.  Even when she cried, she thanked God for the tears because, “tears were a gift from Him to ease the hurt, a gift to be shared with others who were hurting.”

I don’t think in normal circumstance we would give thanks to God for not being seen by somebody or for shedding tears.  But, in an abnormal circumstance, not being noticed and tears are more than enough to make us want to give thanks to God.  Every little thing becomes a precious blessing from God!

Darlene was very much aware of the devastating effect of cruelty that she was subject to.  It was therefore her prayer to God, “if I come out of this war alive, I may be ‘sweet-smelling’—not bitter or cynical.”  Oh yes, there is nothing more sweet-smelling than being grateful to God!  It is the antidote for bitterness.

Pastor Paul

More Shepherd's Corner Articles

The Shepherd's Corner - June 9, 2019
THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER For over two months I drove with an expired driver’s license—and I didn’t even know it!  When we moved to our current residence over two years ago, I immediately notified my change of address to DMV, hoping that I would receive my new license in the mail.  But...
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - June 27, 2021
One of the mysteries in life is some come into the world with much while some, with little. Some come with much love while some with little love. Some come with much intelligence, while some with little intelligence. Some come with much wealth, while some with little wealth. Some come with much heal...
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - October 25, 2020
THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER Today we celebrate our beloved church’s 40th anniversary.  We give thanks to God for His love and mercy upon our church, His Spiritual Body on earth.  We thank Him for protecting and blessing His church so much that through her, many have come to know His Saving G...
Read More