A Lesson from George

“Whatever tries us in any way, speak to the Lord about it.”

—George Mueller

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George Mueller was an evangelist in the 19th century who took care of more than 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. This man chose to live by faith and seemingly never wavered. He took every need he and his orphans had before the Lord, fully trusting and expectantly waiting for the provision God would provide. Mr. Mueller was quoted as saying that he never had an unanswered prayer in his life. I am sure that some of the answers that came his way did not take the form most would expect, but that did not stop George from joyfully thanking the Lord.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8

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These verses from Philippians are oft quoted in bad situations – a sick child, a broken car, a leaky roof. Do we really take them to heart? Do we seek the face of God in everything – coming to Him not only with our needs, but also thanksgiving for His as of yet unknown answer? Do we let the incomprehensible peace of God guard our minds or do we allow thoughts of worry and despair to flood over us? Do we think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy? Or, do we focus on the issue at hand and allow it to fill our minds, crowding out all the attributes of God?
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Nothing is too small to take to the Lord and nothing is so big that we should allow it to overshadow His greatness. I encourage you to speak to the Lord about whatever tries you in any way.

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Prayer:

Father, YOU are what Philippians 4:8 says for me to think on. Please help me to be aware of times when I am tempted to place concerns and worries above Your greatness and abilities. Only by focusing on You can I avoid falling into that temptation. Amen
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Challenge:

This week, when worries and concerns press in – no matter how big or small – choose to put your focus squarely on the Lord and His attributes. He is all that is good and true and praiseworthy. Spending time focusing on trouble is taking praise and adoration away from the One who deserves it. Refocus that attention!  Read a biography of George Mueller's life with your family.

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Jen 2010