This month I read The Autobiography of George Muller, the modernized edition published by Whitaker House in 1984. Though Muller intended to become a minister, his youth was consumed with wild living. When he truly surrendered his life to God, he began to grow in faith. Well over a hundred years ago, Muller left home and family to become a missionary, and in doing so, he angered his father. Muller eventually became a pastor but refused to take a regular salary from the church. Instead, he trusted God to supply the money he needed, sometimes on a daily or even hourly basis. Muller continued this lifestyle as he established an orphanage.
Muller’s record shows how, time and time again, God provided the needed resources for the work to carry on.
Muller long ago passed into the grave, but God still speaks through him. The interesting thing, though, is that God didn’t speak to me so much about money and possessions—though that has been my focus this month and the focus of Muller’s autobiography.
Here are a couple things God said to me:
- “You need to quit worrying how you will fit into the things I am calling your husband to do. I know you have a lot of questions, but I will give you the knowledge you need when you need it. In the meantime, you need to trust Me enough to obey what I have already made clear.”
- “Instead of stewing about frustrations you can’t change, you need to trust Me. You can’t make other people change. But you can pray for them. Quit trying to find answers without talking to Me first.”
Though I started this month focusing on baby steps in one area of life, God has been speaking about a number of areas where I have been lacking faith.
I want you to have this same opportunity to read a book that will challenge you, whether that’s Muller’s autobiography or a book on a totally different subject. I am giving away two PaperbackSwap.com credits to the winner of this giveaway. You may use the credits yourself or transfer them to a friend of yours with a valid Paperback Swap account. Here’s how you enter to win: leave a comment answering the question, “What is the connection between our faith and our ability to hear God speak?” You must leave a comment by the end of the month. I will use Random.org to draw a random winner from the valid entries.
I read Muller’s biography too. It was inspiring and convicting. Have I ever stayed up all night praying to God to provide-not for my needs but for orphans? Thanks for the review.
I read Muller’s biography many years ago as a young Christian, but had forgotten the lessons and how it had challenged me about trusting God to provide. This post was very timely as I was just today wavering about a decision that I shouldn’t have been even thinking twice about, and this reminded me to trust God to provide and do what I know I have been asked to do. Thank you.
Well, let’s both give thanks to God about that. He is the master of timing in sending us what we need when we need it. Sometimes our need is material, sometimes it’s a word of encouragement, and sometimes it’s patience or guidance.
Mr. Mueller is one of the great heroes of our faith. His life still speaks to us today.
Congratulations to Sharon for winning the giveaway.
Rachelle: Thanks for the paperback swap credits. My nickname on Paperback is my email address. Have a great day!!