Be Strong In The Lord, In The Power Of His Might! by Myra Boozer

It is just so amazing to me what I have on my mind when I awake most mornings. Some thoughts stay with me all day long. Saturday morning I was thinking of Corrie Ten Boom and what a spiritual hero she is to me. I thought of her sufferings and her great faith. I thought how strong she was and could I ever be that strong in the face of severe persecution (which we may face in the near future, as Christians).

As I went to the kitchen, Bill was asking if I wanted to get out of the house and go to "Yard Sales." This used to be a big part of my life. Not so much anymore. I have more than enough stuff already. Well, we went and very quickly I found a book that I had to have. The only one that interested me. It is Life Lessons from Corrie Ten Boom. The Lord set me up for that one.

As I was reading from the "Exclusive 3-in-1 Edition," of course being of my nature, I did not start at the front of the book. I opened it about three fourths of the way into it. Excerpts from the book, “It was a week after Betsie had died in Ravensbruck that I took my place in the ranks of women prisoners standing together in the icy cold of the early morning. ‘66730!’ That is my number, I said weakly as we took our place for roll call. ‘Ten Boom, Cornelia.’ That is my name. I thought how strange that they would call me by name when they always addressed us by number! ‘Come forward.’ We were falling in line for the roll call. Ten in a line, every hundredth woman, one step forward. My friends looked at me sadly. What does it mean? I asked inwardly. Punishment...freedom...the gas chamber...sent to another concentration camp?”

The rest is in my words. A young German girl shouted number 66730. Corrie stepped forward and was told where to stand. She was sent to the far right, away from the crowd where now she could feel the bitter cold wind whipping through her ragged prison dress. Another girl, young and frightened was sent to stand beside her. Roll call took 3 hours and they were almost frozen. Corrie asked through chattering teeth, "Why must I stand here?" The girl’s answer was barely audible as it came from her blue lips. "Death sentence."

Corrie turned to the Lord,"Perhaps I'll see You soon face to face like Betsie does now Lord. Let it not be too cruel a killing. Not gas Lord, nor hanging. I prefer shooting. It is so quick. You see something, you hear something and it is finished." Then as she looked at the girl, Corrie said, "Lord, this is perhaps the last chance I will have to bring someone to you before I arrive in heaven. Use me Lord. Give me all the love and wisdom I need. She then asked the girl her name. She said Tiny, and she had been there 2 years. Corrie asked her, “did you ever read the Bible?” Her answer was no, she did not. Corrie asked, "do you believe God exists?” She said she did and wished she knew more about him and asked Corrie if she knew Him? Corrie began to tell her. "Jesus is always with us" and about the miracle he did in taking all her hatred and bitterness for her enemies. Jesus is willing to bring into our hearts God's love through His Holy Spirit. Corrie said it was a miracle that she had a chance to explain many things about Jesus. "The prisoners behind us listened too. I felt happy. Perhaps this was my last chance in life, but what joy!" She accepted Jesus and Corrie told her, you now have a friend who never leaves you alone.

The siren sounded the guards shouted, “Get to work!” Thousands of women prisoners were running to their places. Tiny disappeared. Only Corrie was left standing in her place. She did not know what fate awaited her. She did know however that God never slumbers or sleeps. She thought she could hear the singing of the angels. Then she heard her name called. Was it death? Oh, thank God, no! It was life. She was being released. She later learned it was through an administrative blunder but she knew it was not the end of an era. It was just the beginning. Ahead of her was the world. Later as she stood in the prison yard waiting the final order, a fellow prisoner whispered, “Tiny died this morning.” The next week all the women Corrie's age were ordered to be killed.

I told you all of that to tell you this. Today the Preacher said we must get tough! We will not be able to stand against what is coming on this world, especially against Christians. If you get upset over little things and want to give up, you will not make it in the days ahead. This was an outstanding, timely message. The scripture text was from Jeremiah 12:5, “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” We must get strong in the Lord to make it when persecution comes on this world. The World has nothing to make you strong for the day that is coming. It must come from the Lord. He is our ONLY HOPE.

As many gathered in the altar and the Pastor prayed for each person, his wife was singing softly about the Hiding Place, the secret place for those who are in Christ Jesus. We had come full circle to the thoughts God gave me yesterday morning. “The Hiding Place” is the first book I read by Corrie Ten Boom. I believe God wants us to get stronger than what we are now. People who have suffered much are the strongest. Troubles and trials can make you or break you. Don't give up but press on knowing that Jesus never leaves you.…

Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”