God desires for us to survive and thrive. Corrie ten Boom and Darlene Deibler Rose suffered greatly under persecution, imprisonment and torture. Yet, God strengthened these women in their inner spirit, strengthened their mind, healed their bodies and provided a way of redemption through love, forgiveness and the grace of God.
Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom was arrested for aiding Jews when they were being exterminated in the Netherlands. Consequently, she and her family were arrested and imprisoned in a concentration camp. Her family died, but Corrie survived.
Even in the midst of hunger and torture in the concentration camp, she loved and cared for those suffering extreme starvation and brutality. Corrie aided many to survive extreme circumstances.
Corrie cared for other people’s spirits through God’s Word, she cared for other people’s souls through words of encouragement and hope, and she cared for other people’s bodies by helping the weakest and sickest in their barracks. She helped the women to not just survive physically, but to thrive spiritually.
After the war, Corrie returned to the Netherlands and set up a rehabilitation center. Corrie refused resentment, bitterness, anger or revenge and she actively chose forgiveness again and again. Survival is more than physical, it means mental and spiritual liberation too.
Corrie eventually traveled the world as a public speaker, appearing in more than 60 countries. Corrie actively spoke on God’s redemptive love and chose to forgive those who tortured her and killed her family. She not only survived, but Corrie thrived by the grace of God and through the love of God.
Darlene Deibler Rose
Darlene was a missionary in Papua New Guinea until WWII broke out and stopped her team’s work in the jungles. She was falsely accused of being a foreign spy, imprisoned and tortured. Her husband and teammates died.
She lived four years in horrible conditions, yet throughout her ordeal, God comforted, strengthened and sustained Darlene. Not only did Darlene survive, but she returned to Papua New Guinea to live and served the people for over forty years.
Survive Persecution
God’s love is greater than any fear, person or nation.
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” ~Matthew 10:28 NASB
“If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. Therefore, those who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” ~1 Peter 4:16, 19 NASB
“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
“‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ~Romans 12:17-21 NASB
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” ~1 John 4:18 NASB
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28 NASB
Survive and Thrive
Tested love is a love that has been purified. When we choose to love the unlovely, to forgive the unforgiveable, to give freely (to those who only take) as unto Him, and forgive those who betray us because He forgave us, then we can agree with Corrie that He turns darkness into light and we can agree with Darlene that His grace is sufficient for us in every situation.
Recommendation:
You can learn more about Corrie ten Boom and Darlene Deibler Rose Love – One of 8 Garments to Wear – Strength with Dignity
References:
Bible Verses about Persecution, Response to. Published by CGG. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from Bible Verses about Persecution, Response to (cgg.org)
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
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6 thoughts on “Survive and Thrive”
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I’m reading a devotional by Corrie ten Boom right now. Overheard many of her stories but I’m enjoying them again and challenged by her life.
I so appreciate Corrie ten Boom’s life and testimony, Mandy! She is such an inspirational woman!
I love this, “tested love is love that has been purified.” All too often we forget gold must go through the refiner’s fire in order to experience purification. It’s not always pleasant, but it’s always necessary. Corrie Ten Boom has always inspired me to love better.
So true, Anita. Just like gold, we must endure the refiner’s fire to reflect Him as He is. Corrie ten Boom and Darlene Deibler are both such inspiring women of faith!
Wonderful words, Lisa. These two women are most inspiring because they were ordinary women serving an extraordinary God. Indeed, our love is tested if it is to be purified. For only the purified love of Christ can overcome the darkness. Our imperfect love cannot accomplish the work of God. Thank you for this great encouragement today!
So true, Donna, these ladies exemplified His extraordinariness by the grace and love of God. Their testimony of love, surrender and perseverance are such an encouragement to us to continue in love, faith and trust in Him.