Tramp for the Lord

1. Trust in God's guidance and provision during life's journeys

God has plans—not problems—for our lives.

Divine direction: Corrie ten Boom's life exemplifies unwavering trust in God's guidance. Throughout her travels and ministry, she consistently relied on divine direction, often stepping into unknown situations with only faith as her compass. This trust led her to unexpected opportunities and provision, from finding accommodation in foreign lands to receiving timely financial support.

Miraculous provision: Time and again, Corrie witnessed God's miraculous provision. Whether it was last-minute travel arrangements, protection from authorities, or meeting the right people at the right time, she experienced firsthand how God cares for His children. Her experiences teach us that when we align ourselves with God's will, He opens doors and provides resources in ways we could never imagine.

2. Forgiveness is a powerful act of will, not emotion

Forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

Choosing forgiveness: Corrie's encounter with a former Nazi guard illustrates the challenging nature of forgiveness. Despite her initial reluctance, she chose to forgive, demonstrating that forgiveness is a decision rather than a feeling. This act of will allowed God's love to flow through her, bringing healing to both herself and the former guard.

Transformative power: The practice of forgiveness transformed Corrie's life and ministry. It enabled her to minister effectively in post-war Germany and other places where bitterness could have hindered her work. Her example shows that forgiveness frees both the forgiver and the forgiven, opening the door to reconciliation and personal growth.

3. Walk in the light by practicing honesty and openness

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Transparency in relationships: Corrie learned the importance of walking in the light through her experiences with her traveling companions. This practice involves being honest about one's faults and shortcomings, creating an atmosphere of trust and mutual growth. By addressing issues promptly and openly, relationships are strengthened and spiritual growth is fostered.

Spiritual cleansing: Walking in the light also involves regular confession and repentance. Corrie discovered that unconfessed sin creates openings for spiritual attacks. By maintaining transparency before God and others, believers can experience ongoing cleansing and protection through the blood of Jesus.

4. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to love our enemies

And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

Supernatural love: Corrie's experience of forgiving the Nazi guard demonstrates the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to enable love for enemies. This divine love surpasses human capacity and transforms both the one who loves and the one who is loved.

Practical application: The ability to love one's enemies has practical implications in daily life. It allows believers to overcome bitterness, break cycles of hatred, and become instruments of reconciliation in a divided world. Corrie's ministry in post-war Europe exemplified how this supernatural love can bring healing to individuals and nations.

5. God's Word is the most effective weapon against darkness

The Word of God coming through me, that won people to Christ anyway.

Scripture's power: Corrie discovered that the Bible, when used faithfully, is the most effective tool for combating spiritual darkness and winning souls. She often found that simply quoting Scripture had a more profound impact than her own words or arguments.

Practical application:

• Memorize key verses for different situations
• Use Scripture to counter doubts and fears
• Share Bible passages when witnessing to others
• Allow God's Word to guide decision-making

6. Happiness comes from being secure in Jesus, not circumstances

Happiness is not found in marriage, or work, or ministry, or children. Happiness is found by being secure in Jesus.

Source of true contentment: Corrie's life demonstrates that genuine happiness stems from a secure relationship with Jesus, not external circumstances. Despite experiencing imprisonment, loss, and constant travel, she maintained joy and peace through her faith.

Overcoming discontent: This principle helped Corrie counsel others struggling with discontentment, particularly in areas of singleness or unfulfilled desires. By redirecting focus to Jesus, individuals can find purpose and satisfaction regardless of their life situation.

7. Obedience to God's call may lead to unexpected blessings

Obedience is easy when you know you are being guided by a God who never makes mistakes.

Stepping out in faith: Corrie's ministry often involved obeying God's call to go to unfamiliar places or speak to unknown audiences. While sometimes challenging, this obedience consistently led to unexpected blessings and opportunities for ministry.

Rewards of obedience:

• Divine appointments with people in need
• Provision of resources and accommodation
• Opportunities to share the gospel in restricted areas
• Personal growth and deepened faith

8. Confess sins regularly to maintain spiritual protection

If there is unconfessed sin in that life, the circle has an opening in it—a gap—and this allows the dark powers to come back in.

Spiritual vulnerability: Corrie learned that unconfessed sin creates openings for spiritual attacks. Regular confession and repentance are necessary to maintain spiritual protection and effectiveness in ministry.

Practical application:

• Practice daily self-examination
• Confess sins promptly to God and others when appropriate
• Seek accountability partnerships
• Regularly ask for and extend forgiveness in relationships

9. Use your gifts and experiences to serve others, even in difficult times

Be glad, because it means you are called to share Christ's sufferings. One day, when he shows himself in full splendor to men, you will be filled with the most tremendous joy.

Redemptive suffering: Corrie's experiences in concentration camps became a powerful testimony that encouraged others facing persecution. She demonstrates how personal suffering, when surrendered to God, can become a source of hope and strength for others.

Ministry opportunities:

• Share personal testimonies of God's faithfulness
• Use past experiences to relate to those in similar situations
• Allow hardships to deepen empathy and compassion
• Trust God to use all experiences, good and bad, for His purposes

10. God's love reaches everyone, including those we may overlook

God not only loved the Christians in East Berlin; He loved these Communist guards also.

Expanding perspective: Corrie's encounters with various people, from Nazi guards to Communist officials, taught her that God's love extends to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. This realization challenged her to see evangelistic opportunities in unexpected places.

Practical application:

• Look for opportunities to share God's love with "unlikely" individuals
• Pray for those who seem hostile to the gospel
• Recognize that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace
• Approach all people with compassion and respect, regardless of their beliefs or actions

Last updated: January 22, 2025