Faith During Nazi Occupation
In the shadow of Nazi occupation during World War II, an elderly watchmaker in Haarlem, Netherlands, named Casper ten Boom faced a choice that would test the very foundation of his faith. At 84, Casper could have chosen the safety and comfort of neutrality. Instead, when Jews in the city were being hunted down, he opened his home to them, providing a hiding place under the guise of his family-run watch shop. It was a decision rooted in a deep-seated belief that all people were created in the image of God, deserving of love and protection.
Confronting Evil with Faith
"It is not my house," Casper would say, "it is the Lord's house. Anyone who needs help is welcome here." His unwavering conviction was tested when a Nazi officer came into the shop, suggesting that an old man like him should be able to die comfortably, without the worry of housing Jews. Casper replied with a calmness only possible through faith, "If I go home today, it will be to my Father's house, and I will be quite comfortable there." His trust in Jesus was palpable, even as he put his life at risk.
God's Providence in Crisis
This act of faith did not go unrewarded. Though the entire ten Boom family was arrested on February 28, 1944, the Jews hiding in their home were not discovered, thanks to a secret room Corrie and her family had devised. Casper's courage and unwavering faith inspired countless others, including his daughter Corrie, who would later share their story with the world. Jesus was clearly at work, as the family's sacrifice became a testament to the power of love and faith over fear.
A Legacy of Courage
After his arrest, Casper passed away in prison, but his legacy lived on. His actions during those harrowing times shone a light on the profound impact of living one's faith boldly. His story reminds us that with Jesus, even the darkest moments can reveal the depth of human courage and the power of divine providence.
