It is in the midst of adversity where we see a person’s true allegiance. What they hope in, who they trust in–all of this is revealed within the crucible of suffering. I don’t really feel I have ever suffered. Oh sure, there are those minor things one deals with: difficulty in childbirth, sickness, lack of funds, exhaustion, even death of a loved one; but I have known people that have suffered so much more than this, it makes my own burdens seem quite trivial by comparison. Remember the Karluk…(Note: if you don’t know what I’m talking about, see two blogs ago.) I’ve always felt I was a person of faith, willing to stand up for what I believe in; but I’ve always wondered if I could stand up when really pressured. I’d like to think that I would, I even pray that I will; but at this point I put no confidence in my flesh. How can I–it has never been tested.
There is a scripture that has always comforted me: “But when they arrest you, don’t worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19-20
This reminds me of what Corrie ten Boom’s father said to her when as a little girl she was worried about facing death. “Corrie,” he began gently “when we go to Amsterdam–when do I give you your ticket?” “Why, just before I get on the train” she said. “Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we need these things too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need–just in time.” This became the theme of her life. God always gave her what she needed just in time. She didn’t start out wanting to be an agent for the anti-nazi underground in Holland. She was a simple girl. She loved God, her family, enjoyed music, caring for her older aunts and her parents, and later on discovered she had both a passion and a knack for watch repair like her father. She helped him run his watch shop and wasn’t looking for excitement. Then, the war came with it’s wartime conscriptions, occupation, rationing, segregation, and murder. Then, displaced jewish men, women, and children began knocking on their door. Corrie did not turn her back, and neither did her family. In fact, at one time, they all were imprisoned for their involvement in the underground resistance movement, and more particularly for hiding jews. She and her family took great risks, but as the risk increased so did their faith and their resolve. Her autobiography “The Hiding Place” that was written with John and Elizabeth Sherrill details the lives of the Ten Booms from the earliest days of Corrie’s childhood in Holland, through their subsequent arrests, and in some cases deaths during the war. Corrie’s survival of the dreaded extermination camp Ravensbruck in Germany gives us not only a picture of the cruelty, filth, and starvation that went on in these death camps; but more importantly it shows us that there is a light that shines much brighter in the midst of the thickest darkness. We see two women (Corrie and her sister Betsy) so confident in their eternal hope, they are able to actually pass this hope on to others who were living through the most difficult situations anyone could ever find themselves in. One thing that stands out in my mind is a conversation the two were having after being newly transferred to Ravensbruck. They discover that their beds are infested with fleas, but Betsy is convinced that the Lord wants them to “give thanks in every circumstance”. She proceeds to praise God even for the fleas. Corrie remained unconvinced that fleas could have even the slightest redeeming quality, therefore she ended the prayer with assuring herself that her sister was wrong. However, they had always wondered why they had so much freedom in the dormitories to have their nightly bible studies. The dorm was always abuzz as women were passing and translating each passage in 5 or 6 different languages down the rows of bunks so that all could understand. Later they discovered that it was because of the fleas that the guards never entered the dorms. Corrie began praising God for the fleas. Do you want to read a book that will have you sobbing, but have you marvelling at God’s goodness as well. I was challenged and convicted by the lives of these amazing people. And when I’m tempted to wonder, “Could I…will I…?” I just remember, I’ll get my ticket just before I get on the train.
Oh my, I haven’t even gotten the book yet and I am tearing up and have goose bumps! I can’t wait to get it and get started!
Claire
Just finished and I can’t even express how it has built my faith. I emailed a bunch of folks and cc it to you. I kept thinking, “Wow, what a great God!” Then I was reminded, I serve the same God and He loves me just as much! I trust that it is not by “coincidence” that you reviewed this book.
Thank you,
Claire