When Corrie ten Boom’s grandfather opened his watch shop, he made it known that the family home above the shop was open for anyone in need. A hundred years later, this meant that the ten Booms used their home to hide Jews from the Nazis.

Hidden behind a wall was “the hiding place.” Corrie and her family could hide up to seven people who were either wanted by the Nazi government for being Jewish or helping Jews escape. The ten Booms were not Jews themselves; they were devoted followers of Jesus. But they believed the Jews needed to be protected.

The ten Booms did this for two years, until the Nazis found out. The entire family was arrested and sent to concentration camps. The four refugees hiding in their home at the time were not found by the Nazis and survived. Corrie’s father and sister died in the concentration camp, but Corrie lived. Corrie realized she survived for God’s purpose — to proclaim a message of forgiveness to everyone who would hear it.

The Lord commands us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” When we are doing the right thing, or when forgiving others who have wronged us, the Lord will be with us. He will use our bravery to reach our world for His glory.

This is Luis Palau.