The Hiding Place

Yesterday I finished reading The Hiding Place, a book that tells the incredible story of Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie, her sister Betsie, and her father were watchmakers in Holland, and hid Jews in their home when the Nazis began occupying Holland. They were arrested and Corrie, and her sister were taken to a concentration camp in Germany. They hid a Bible, and ministered to the women in their barracks, and even prayed for the guards who were harming them. While Corrie was concerned about the prisoners, her sister was more worried about the sousl of the guards. Her sister kept on referring to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, "Give thanks in all circumstances." She gave thanks for the tight conditions, for the women, the cloth dresses they received. Betsie even told her to give thanks for the flees, but Corrie said she wouldn't. Betsie said that the Lord said, "Give thanks in ALL circumstances'", not just pleasant circumstances, so she gave thanks for the flees. The fact that Corrie was able to keep her faith, rely on God, and turn to scripture, in such a difficult time is extremely inspiring.  Her sister said that when they got out of the camp that they must start a home for survivors of the camp, to help them recover and share God's word. Betsie died in prison, and Corrie was released (it was later learned that she was only released because of a clerical error, and shortly after her release the women of her age were gassed). When released Corrie began sharing her testimony, and started the home, one of which was in a former concentration camp. She preached to prisoners about forgiving those who harmed them, which many did. After one of he presentations a former guard at the camp she was in approached her, and thanked her because he knew that God forgave him for his sins. He reached out to shake her hand but she couldn't do it, yet this is what she preached. She prayed to God that she would be able to forgive him, and when her hand touched his, a wonderful feeling came over her. It was amazing that she was able to forgive and connect with the guard at the camp. All but one of the Jews who were hiding in the Ten Boom house when the gestapo arrested them survived. God was truly with Corrie during her darkest hour. As scripture says, when we are faithful to God, even in difficult times, we will be greatly rewarded and blessed. Corrie's story has taught me to continue to trust and have faith in the Lord, even in this most difficult time. I must trust him, and know that he is always with me and will never forsake me, and that when I am in pain and hurting so is he. I believe in a loving God, and want to be able to share his love and word with those around me. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." I truly believe in this verse, and just like Corrie Ten Boom, I will rely and trust in God even in my darkest hour. 


Joyful Love
         &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta