Persecution
Corrie ten Boom’s courage continues to challenge us to stand strong in the face of adversity. She lived in enemy occupied Holland through the World War 2 war years. Her family had built a secret room into their home where they hid nine Jews. The Gestapo knew the home was being used as a hideout and had it watched day and night. In February 1944 the ten Boom family was arrested. The secret room amazingly was not found and its precious cargo was able to escape some days later.
The family was released except for Corrie and her sister, Betsy. They were transferred to a prison in Scheveningen which marked the beginning of a ten month ordeal in captivity. Both sisters were strengthened by their faith as they faced the prospect of suffering and possible death. They encouraged many to continue trusting God. Even a four month stint in solitary for Corrie was lightened by God’s provision of a sympathetic German interrogator who failed to note a verdict against her.
After the time in solitary both sisters were reunited and committed themselves to secret nightly meetings with other believers. Camp life was grim. Overcrowding, inadequate food, long days working at a nearby factory, and the frequent sound of the firing squad all took their toll. In September that year, 1944, news of the Allied advance spread around the camp, but there was a far greater test yet to come.
Some of us may go through life without ever facing real persecution or suffering for our faith. But this is the exception to the rule. Around the world everyday Christians suffer and die for their faith. Our strength is in God’s grace and the extraordinary enabling of the Holy Spirit. God is always able.
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