One of the most powerful prayers in the midst of suffering I have read was uncovered from the horrors of Ravensbruck concentration camp. Ravensbruck was a concentration camp built in 1939 for women. Over 90,000 women and children perished in Ravensbruck, murdered by the Nazis. Corrie Ten Boom, who wrote The Hiding Place, was imprisoned there too. The prayer, found in the clothing of a dead child, says:
O Lord, remember not only the men and woman of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us: Instead remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering, our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble. When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
– Jake can’t remember where he found this.
The Bible says that the meek shall inherit the Earth. That sure sounds like the right thing to do after reading something like this.
Wouldn’t you like people like this in charge?
Wouldn’t you like to have coworkers like this?
Wouldn’t you want to be married to someone like this?
Wouldn’t you like to have customers like this?
Of course, the secret is the other side of this coin. Don’t you want to be someone like this?
Life is full of difficulties and suffering (very few that compare to the Nazi concentration camps). Each one is an opportunity to be thankful for the fruit that grows out of the challenge and discomfort.
Jim Rohn says “Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better.” Our opportunity for a better life lies in our ability to become better.
Make it a great day.
Jake
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