Remember
Remember, the many who gave their tomorrows so we could have today.
Remember the cost many paid for the freedom of others. Corrie Ten Boom was a prisoner in Ravensbruck, a German concentration camp in WW II, because of her love for God's beloved people, the Jews. She must have had a difficult time seeing God in the horrific scenes that surrounded her.
Her family hid many in their little home in the Netherlands. A Dutch ‘friend’ she tried to help informed the Germans. Maybe he traded people's lives for cigarettes and ration cards? The Ten Boom family was imprisoned—Corrie was the only survivor. After the war, Corrie traveled as a speaker and was able to tell people, “There is no pit so deep, the love of God is not deeper still.” Corrie’s messages brought hope, forgiveness, and newness of life to many.
Years after her miraculous release from prison, Corrie was asked to extend forgiveness to one of her former brutal guards. She realized she could only forgive with God's enabling power. As she asked God to help her forgive, all unforgiveness was shattered and replaced with love that only comes from the heart of God.
I have been to Auschwitz, Poland. I remember what a horrible memorial it is of the evil and depravity that exists in the heart of man. I have been to Calvary in Israel. It is a testament to the unfathomable love of God. So that leads to a question. Do we really believe “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose”? Romans 8:28 There is so much evil and sadness in our world. There will always be wars and rumours of war. We could succumb to despair—or—we could keep looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. It's our choice. "For I know the thoughts I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 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.
Just as there are earthly wars, there is a spiritual war being waged for the eternal destinies of mankind. This war is more vicious than any that has ever played out on Earth's battlefields. It is a war being waged over you. Jesus entered this battle and fought for you. He 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. I am thankful for all who fought for our earthly freedom, and 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.