Corrie Ten Boom’s story resounds generations beyond her own. Yet, it is not Corrie’s story alone, for it was her sister Betsie who often encouraged her when Corrie had no will to continue in the pit of Ravensbrück. Together they dreamed of the day God would use their story to encourage others who suffered the despairs of this life. As Corrie wrote in A Prisoner and Yet… “Betsie and I would tour America…lecturing here and there, and telling of the marvellous way the Lord has blessed us and kept us, and of the miracles we have experienced. If there are persons who cannot endure the anxieties and cares of life we shall tell them that Jesus is the Victor. No one will be able to say, ‘It’s easy for you to talk.’”
Psalm 22:24 promises, For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Though Betsie and Corrie’s circumstances could have left them feeling as if God did not see or care about their situation, Corrie attests that in Ravensbrück Jesus was nearer to them than they had ever known Him to be before. When Betsie died just a few weeks before Corrie was freed by a paperwork error, Corrie prayed in the form of a poem.
Teach me, Lord, to bear the burden,
In this dark and weary day.
Let me not complain to others
Of a hard and lonely way.
Every storm to Thee is subject,
Storms of earth, or mind and heart.
Only to Thy will submitting
Can to me Thy peace impart.
So to suffer, so keep silence,
So be yielded to Thy will.
So in weakness learn Thy power—
Teach me, Father, teach me still.
(A Prisoner and Yet.. pg. 152)
There is a reason James uses the word “temptation” interchangeably with the word “trial.”
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2
There is much temptation in the trials to harden one’s heart to God, rather than run to Him in patient trust. Most of us will never experience the deep trials Betsie and Corrie lived through, and yet, their testimony still speaks of Jesus’s presence in the darkest places.
Waiting on God is difficult, yet it is in the waiting that the faith we profess is put to the test. It is only in trials that faith can be strengthened and the Word can be made real in the actual circumstances of our lives. Then we, like Corrie and Betsie, have a testimony to share that encourages others.
I personally know the triumph of the Red Sea victory right before the confusion of the bitter water at Marah. God does not lead by happenstance, and He never wastes suffering. However, as Betsie encouraged Corrie to continue on, I am thankful for sister friends who encourage and intercede on my behalf to strengthen me in the waiting. Prayer warriors are true helpers in the journey of life. A poem I wrote a while back but never shared seems appropriate here.
A Praying Friend
You may not have thought
A whispered prayer
Could usher sweet peace
Directly to my need.
But, oh, my friend let me tell you
In that moment my fears had to flee.
It was no small thing
When you spoke my name
Before the throne of the King.
He heard your plea
And answered my need.
Then lifted my face to see His glory revealed.
Thank you, my friend
For praying for me,
For carrying my burden with me.
Only heaven records
The change it brings,
As it bottles every tear-filled plea.
Have a blessed weekend, my friends.
Erica B.
His Song in the Night 
Praise God for Corie and her sister! And for you!
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I could read their story over and over and always be encouraged. They truly lived out a Christlike testimony in the darkest of places!
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I have been drawn to stories (nonfiction and fiction) about the Holocaust for years. I have read The Hiding Place at least twice and Tramp for the Lord. I haven’t read the one you mentioned though, so I’ll have to add it to my “to read” list. 😉 I think my draw to this terrible time in history is the resilience through faith that is demonstrated in so many lives who suffered horrible things. It is inspiration and encouragement for me in my own life. In fact, I have told several that even if I die from cancer, I have been blessed beyond measure and have gone through nothing like others who die horrific deaths like those during the Holocaust. I loved your poem! You have such a gift, friend!
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I think you are spot on. Reading about the resilience of others in such a dark time in history encourages those who follow. Your “gratitude attitude” is another picture of resilience and faith that encourages those who follow. Thankful for you, my friend!
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