The Cost of Freedom: A Legacy of Sacrifice

"Remember the many who gave their tomorrows so we could have today."

We often speak of freedom, but we must never forget the staggering cost paid for it. History is marked by those who stood in the gap for others—none perhaps as poignant as the story of Corrie ten Boom.

A Love Deeper Than the Pit

During WWII, Corrie and her family hid Jewish people in their Netherlands home, driven by their faith and love. Their courage was met with betrayal when a man they tried to help informed the Nazis—perhaps trading lives for nothing more than cigarettes and ration cards. The Ten Boom family was imprisoned in the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Corrie was the only survivor. In the midst of those horrific scenes, one might wonder where God was. Yet, after her miraculous release, Corrie traveled the world with a message that still resonates today:

"There is no pit so deep, the love of God is not deeper still."

The Miracle of Forgiveness

Corrie’s faith was put to the ultimate test years after the war when she came face-to-face with one of her former guards. She realized that in her own strength, she could not forgive him. It was only by asking for God’s enabling power that the walls of unforgiveness shattered, replaced by a love that could only come from the heart of God. Her life became a testament to hope, forgiveness, and the "newness of life" available to all.

Two Landscapes

I have stood in two places that define the human condition:

• Auschwitz, Poland: A horrible memorial, remnants of a cruel concentration camp, that speaks to the evil and depravity that can exist in the human heart.

• Calvary, Israel: A testament to the unfathomable, redeeming love of God.

There is so much evil and sadness in our world. There will always be wars and rumours of war. We could drown in despair—or—we could keep looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. It's our choice. Just as there are earthly wars, there is a spiritual war being waged for the eternal destinies of mankind.

The War for Your Heart

This spiritual war is being waged for the eternal destinies of mankind. This war is more vicious than any fought on a physical battlefield—and it is being waged over you.

• The Battle: Jesus entered this fight on your behalf.

• The Sacrifice: He gave His life so you could live in true freedom.

• The Victory: He fought for a freedom that lasts forever.

Jesus gave His life so you could live in freedom. He wanted your freedom to last forever. It really is the war that will one day end all wars. God is working all things in our lives for His purposes—for our ultimate good—for the good of others. God knows our circumstances. Even when things look overwhelming, remember, God’s ways are higher than ours. This is not the final chapter of our lives.

I am thankful for all who fought for our earthly freedom, and especially to Jesus who fought for our forever freedom. Remember the price that was paid for your freedom—both for time and for eternity.

Blessings, Beloved of God.

This is a link to Corrie Ten Boom's message--How to forgive. bit.ly/4cZE5mv