Life lessons from Corrie ten Boom - part 1Sample

Fear to suffer

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

“But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

The family Ten Boom had great compassion and interest for missionaries who shared the gospel worldwide. Even as a very small girl Corrie already knew about the sacrifices these people sometimes had to make and how they suffered persecution.  

One day Corrie is playing with her dolls in the living room. Her father Casper sits in his comfortable chair next to the fireplace. “Papa, I will never be strong enough to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ, I’m too frightened, Papa!” “Correman come sit with me. ”Corrie nestles herself safely in her dad’s arms. “When does Papa give you your train ticket when we are travelling from Haarlem to Amsterdam?” “Just before we get on board Papa, I only need it at that time, don’t I?” “You’re right, Correman. That is what it will be like when the Lord Jesus allows you to suffer for His Name’s sake. You will receive power the moment you need it.” Comforted, Corrie continues to play with her dolls. 

Many years later, when Corrie is imprisoned in the concentration camps she often recalls these words of her father and realizes how true it is that: 

       “The suffering that actually comes in our life

        Is not as hard as the fear of suffering

        But when it comes in your life

       He will give strength to take up your cross”
      (translated from a Dutch poem)

Questions

• Do you at times wonder if you will be ready to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ?
• In what way does today’s Bible reading help you to give your fear back to the Lord?

Prayer  

Thank You Lord, that You know that I will not be able to suffer for You in my own strength. Thank You that You will give me Your strength the moment I need it.