ODJ: starting with prayer


September 4, 2013 

READ: Psalm 82 

Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of 
the oppressed and the destitute (v.3, emphasis added).


On 21 November 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 (v.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 (v.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. —Roxanne Robbins





› Luke 20:20-40