As I sat down to write today, I couldn't remember why I thought I would write about Corrie ten Boom in a month focused on believing boldly. I know her story because as a young girl I had heard her speak about her story of life in a concentration camp because she and her family provided secret housing for Jewish neighbors who were hiding from the Nazis.
Corrie and her family certainly lived boldly for God, risking their own lives for their neighbors, but what does that have to do with believing boldly? So, before I could start writing today, I needed to review her story, and there it was! Now I remember!
You see, ladies, I think if a person does not believe boldly they will certainly not live boldly! The choices the ten Boom family made reflected a deep abiding faith in God that included living that faith in their daily lives, even if that meant danger.
If your are not familiar with the story, I invite you to learn more with the resources listed below. The ten Boom family lived in Holland above the watch repair shop that their father owned. Corrie was the first licensed woman watchmaker in the Netherlands.
A family of faith, her father had led the family and those who were gathered there with them in a devotional time one evening in Psalm 91. They spoke of trusting God for protection and finding shelter in the shadow of His wings. Corrie didn't know it then how much that evening's Scripture would sustain and encourage her in the coming days.
It was the morning of this very day, February 28, 1944 that the Nazi's raided their home. Corrie who was sick in bed with influenza had heard the alarm signal, but thought it was just a drill and so she remained in bed. That day changed their lives. The Jewish people who were staying in the secret room behind the wall were not found that day, but Corrie's family was taken into custody.
Her father died soon after, and Corrie and her sister Betsy were taken to Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. Betsy was the sister with the stronger faith, and she often reminded Corrie about the faithfulness of God to keep His Word. Together they decided to make the best of their situation. They shared an evening time of secret prayer and Bible reading and invited other ladies to join in.
Corrie tells the story of a small bottle of medicine she had managed to keep hidden when they were searched. When Betsy became ill, she gave her a small drop from the bottle each day. Others who heard about the medicine began asking to share. Drop by drop Corrie poured out a little each day. They believed God was refilling the bottle because whenever they needed a drop there was one there, though they knew not how there could be any drops remaining and could not see through the dark glass in that dark place.
Betsy did not survive the stay at Ravenbruck, but two weeks after she died Corrie was mysteriously and they believed accidentally released. Corrie spent the rest of her life traveling the world telling the story of God's faithfulness in desperate times. It was her bold faith holding to the very Word of God that kept her even through sorrow and grief. Hers is a story worth reading and an example worth following!
To live boldly, we must believe boldly by holding to the Truth of the Word of God. May God help us to do so whatever we face, knowing He is holding us safe under His wings.
