In the 1800's, English orphans were housed in disease-infested institutions, forced to work long hours, barely fed, and harshly treated.(1)
George Mueller (1805-1898) gave up all he owned and worked without salary for the sake of these orphans.
Without asking for money, he prayed three orphanages into existence. But his heart broke for those he still had to turn away.
One of his prayer requests seemed "impossible"—he asked God to supply an orphanage for 700 orphans.(2)
Times were hard and people thought he was crazy. But Mueller journaled these words: "The greatness of the sum required affords me a kind of secret joy; for the greater the difficulty to be overcome, the more will it be seen to the glory of God how much can be done by prayer and faith."
Imagine if we had even a tiny bit of Mueller's willingness to give ourselves and our finances to others.
Reading Mueller's biography inspired me, but it also made me ashamed for my small and stingy faith.
May I love the Lord with the same passion as George Mueller.
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Did you know that Bible Love Notes has a collection of over 30 1-minute devotions addressing Christian Principles Concerning Money and Possessions?
(1) Charles Dickens, a contemporary of Mueller, wrote Oliver Twist, the well-known fictional novel based on the cruel lives of the orphanages, poor houses, and street children during that time in history.
(2) Ephesians 3:20 says that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." For more on answered prayer, see 5 Requirements of Prayer and Understanding Prayer in Context. You can find other 1-minute devotions to make your prayer life more effective in our Prayer Collection.
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for
Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. To find out more see 10 Reasons Why You'll Love Wisdom for Life. I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Wonderful story. So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also love the fact that he was a wayward turned believer. That in itself is remarkable and encouraging for parents... Thanks for the wonderful reminders here.
ReplyDeleteYes, I felt that I lacked faith even for the daily thing we need for our family let alone rising to a higher level of praying and doing for the needs of others, like the orphans that Muller worked with. I love his story and this was an encouraging post, Gail. Have a fantastic day!!
ReplyDeleteBTW...Your Facebook page looks great. I should comment and link (or whatever you asked for...I'll go back to your email :-) ) when I don't have someone cute squirming in my lap
I've long admired Mueller... and echo your words: "Reading Muller's biography inspired me, but it also made me ashamed for my small and stingy faith."
ReplyDeleteGod gives us these "lesser lights," I think, that we can be reminded to follow "the Light of the World," Jesus, into the pathways of practical, sacrificial love. Thanks for sharing, Gail.
Always enjoy a good Mueller story. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am reading this with my 7, 6, & 2 year old daughters right now for school, and wow!!! Thank you for sharing this with the world. We keep praying that we would be open to God growing us (all believers!) in faith for His glory!
ReplyDeleteI love the story of George Muller. Oh my, what incredible faith he had. I have read the book you mentioned here, and we have it in our church library. Had he lived in a different era, I'm sure he would have been included in the Faith chapter, Hebrews 11. Thanks so much for sharing, and keeping this story alive. ~ Abby
ReplyDeletesuch a great Faith ...this is called the secret of joy... im Blessed .
ReplyDelete