Life lessons from Corrie ten Boom - Part 2Sample

Even when I’m old and gray

Psalm 71:18  (NIV)

“Even when I am old and gray,

    do not forsake me, my God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

    your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

 Corrie was 53 years old when the war was over. Her father, sister, and nephew had all died in captivity. Soon after the war her brother, Willem also died as a result of his imprisonment in a concentration camp. 

For more than thirty years, Corrie traveled all over the world, visiting more than 60 countries. After such an eventful life, no one would have objected if Corrie had decided to retire when she was around 65 years old. But though the years certainly counted and she had some physical complaints, Corrie proved that the Holy Spirit never retires and never ages. She could arrive, really exhausted, for a meeting at her next destination. But the moment she started to speak, with renewed strength, she witnessed God’s love, grace, and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit lifted her up by the power of His love.

In the last seven years of her life, Corrie had several strokes, which had a great effect on her mobility and speech and she had to stay in bed for the last two years of her life. Imprisoned again, this time in the weakness and infirmity of her body. People started to visit her with a heavy heart, not knowing how to comfort Corrie. Though she was not able to speak, she was still able to witness through her, eyes and gestures. By the end of the visit, she used to fold her hands and prayed for her visitors. The only word people could clearly understand was her ‘Amen’. They left, comforted. Corrie died in California on her birthday, the 15th of April 1983.

Up until this day, through her books, videos, films, and the tours in the Corrie ten Boom house, God’s power, love, and forgiveness are declared to the next generation. 

To reflect upon

We can bring up all kinds of reasons why God might not be willing to use us for His plan for our life. But it is not about our ability, it is all about our availability!

He never said we could, He said He always would!

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for You there are no hindrances whatsoever. Neither circumstances, weaknesses, or age: With Your love, grace, and forgiveness You can work through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.