Corrie ten Boom: Restoration Through Forgiveness

Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983) Born in Haarlem, Netherlands.
Died in Placentia, California A life of courage, compassion, and
unwavering faith - passing into glory on her 91st birthday.

Corrie ten Boom’s life of courage and compassion beautifully reflected the wisdom found in Proverbs 31. The chapter begins with the sayings of King Lemuel, words taught to him by his mother, urging him to rule with justice, defend the vulnerable, and avoid corruption. Among her counsel is the charge in Proverbs 31:8 NKJV: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Corrie embodied this command during the Nazi occupation, when she and her family risked their lives to hide Jews and resistance members in their home. Just as Lemuel’s mother instructed her son to use his position to protect the defenseless, Corrie lived out that same principle in action, standing as a voice for the voiceless and a defender of those marked for destruction. Her obedience to God’s Word became a testimony that justice and mercy are not abstract ideals, but living realities expressed through sacrificial love.



The Hiding Place in the Ten Boom Museum A secret
refuge behind the wall - where the Ten Boom family
sheltered Jews during the Holocaust.

In 1944, betrayal led to their arrest. Corrie’s father died within days, and she and her sister Betsie were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. There, they endured cruelty, starvation, and disease. Betsie, frail yet radiant, often reminded Corrie of Romans 8:38‑39 NKJV — “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.”

Betsie’s faith shone even in suffering, declaring: “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” When Betsie died, Corrie felt stripped bare, echoing Job’s lament in Job 1:21 NKJV - “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Like Job, Corrie’s losses were profound. Yet her story did not end in despair. God was preparing restoration.

After the war, Corrie traveled across Europe, sharing her testimony of God’s faithfulness. She spoke of forgiveness, echoing Ephesians 4:32 NKJV - “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

One day in Germany, after speaking at a church, a man approached her. He was a former Ravensbrück guard - one who had overseen cruelty. He confessed his sins and asked Corrie for forgiveness.

Memories surged back. Forgiveness seemed impossible. Corrie prayed silently, recalling Philippians 4:13 NKJV- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Strength not her own flowed through her, enabling her to extend her hand. She forgave him.

That act of obedience mirrored Job 42:10 NKJV - “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends.” Corrie’s willingness to forgive opened the door for healing. She later testified that peace flooded her heart, bitterness dissolved, and God’s restoration began.

From that moment, Corrie’s ministry expanded worldwide. She traveled to more than sixty countries, proclaiming reconciliation and hope. Her book The Hiding Place touched millions, fulfilling Isaiah 61:7 NKJV - “Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.”

Spirit-Led Ministry “Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” — Corrie ten Boom Image courtesy of Corrie ten Boom Museum.

Her “latter days” were greater than her beginning. Though she had lost family and home, God restored her with a ministry that bore eternal fruit. Like Joel 2:25 NKJV - “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” - Corrie’s barren years became seeds of testimony.

Her scars became her witness, her pain became purpose, and her obedience became a beacon of hope. 1 Peter 5:10 NKJV was fulfilled in her life: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Corrie’s restoration was complete - not because her past was erased, but because God transformed her suffering into ministry. Her testimony continues to inspire generations, proving that forgiveness is the key that unlocks healing, and obedience is the path to restoration.

Corrie ten Boom’s life teaches us:

• Forgiveness unlocks restoration (Job 42:10 NJKV; Ephesians 4:32 NKJV).
• God redeems lost seasons (Joel 2:25 NKJV).
• Suffering produces strength and testimony (1 Peter 5:10 NJKV).
• His love is deeper than any pit (Romans 8:38‑39 NKJV).

Her story is a living echo of Job’s - stripped bare yet restored by God’s faithfulness.

Ministry flows not from striving, but from surrender — when filled with the Spirit, we overflow.

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To the Holy Spirit — thank You for guiding every word, guarding every step, and glorifying Jesus through it all. All glory, honor, praise and worship goes to God Almighty, for He alone is worthy to receive it all.

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Scripture Acknowledgement

All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version® (NKJV). Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Special thanks to Bible Gateway for providing accessible, searchable Scripture resources that support devotional writing and spiritual study.

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May these words echo grace, healing, and truth wherever they are read.

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Thank you for letting me know this. Corrie ten Boom’s story is a testimony and inspiration for many people. Her faith, courage, and forgiveness in the face of such suffering are a powerful reminder of God’s grace. Even without the movies, her testimony continues to speak deeply to my heart.