On November 23, 1835, George Müller wrote, “Today I have had it very much impressed on my heart, no longer merely to think about the establishment of an orphan house, but actually to set about it, and I have been very much in prayer respecting it, in order to ascertain the Lord’s mind.”
Müller longed to live out James 1:27: “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress.” This led him to pray. In response, God revealed to the church leader the following purposes for opening an orphanage (Psalm 82:3):
• To demonstrate that even a poor man, such as Müller, by prayer and faith—with the Lord’s blessing—can be used to rescue others (Psalm 82:4).
• To “be used by God to benefit the bodies of poor children, bereaved of both parents, and seek in other respects, with the help of God, to do them good for this life.”
• To train the children to walk with God.
• To glorify God by acknowledging that what would be accomplished would come from His faithful hands.
After much prayer, and without ever hosting a fundraiser, Müller received provisions to provide homes for more than 10,000 orphans. Even today, I believe that rather than launch a capital campaign on Facebook, Müller would drop to his knees and appeal to God for his every need. While I’m not suggesting raising funds is wrong, there’s much we can learn from Müller about trusting in God and His vast resources (Psalm 82:8).
We’re wise to bring our needs to the Lord first, asking Him to guide us in the best way to share our needs with others.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 20:20-40
More:
George Müeller recorded every thought the Lord provided in response to his prayers. What can you do to remember “what you yourself have seen” God do? (Deuteronomy 4:9).
Next:
Remember to ask God for wisdom before embarking on future acts of service. Why is it vital that we first approach Him for direction?
tom felten on September 4, 2013 at 8:18 am
Love this idea of humbly laying our plans before God in prayer, Roxanne. We surrender to His perfect will and wisdom. As Jesus said to God the Father, “I want your will to be done, not mine” (Luke 22:42).
ehdlive on September 4, 2013 at 9:48 am
So true, Roxanne. Prioritizing prayer is acknowledging the truth that we will never trust in chariots nor in horses but, instead, trust in the Name of the LORD our God (Ps. 20:7).
roxanne robbins on September 4, 2013 at 10:42 am
In the same vein, “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1