George Müller - Roger Steer
Part of the 'Heroes of the Cross' series.
Elise and I started this book together some time ago, but didn't stick with it. Recently I picked it up and finished reading it. The book is a fairly short (96 pages) and simple version of the life of someone that deserves a lot more recognition, but to give this book credit, it manages to highlight some of the most challenging aspects of Müller's life in a straightforward (and probably kid-friendly) way.
To give the basic gist of what made Müller so inspiring: he believed that God had called him to run a number of orphanages, looking after those children who had nowhere else to go. This was during the Victorian era, when workhouses like those mentioned in Charles Dickens's novels were more the norm, and in fact, Dickens himself came to visit Müller at one point.
As part of his belief that God was directing him to do this work, Müller felt to never advertise any financial needs, but to trust that - as long as God was supporting him - he would never go without what was needed. On occasions, there would be no food left in the orphanage, and Müller would sit down at the table and thank God for the meal, only to have a knock at the door reveal a local baker with spare bread, or a milkman with leftover milk.
Super challenging.
What adds to the challenge is this passage from near the end of the book:
"To be sure, he was a great man of faith. But in his life-time Müller used to deny that he had been given a special gift of faith.
'My faith,' he said, 'is the same faith which is found in every believer. Try it for yourself and you will see the help of God, if you trust in Him.'
People used to ask him how they might have their faith strengthened.
He would reply:
'First, read the Bible carefully and thoughtfully. Then you will learn more and more about God's character - how kind, loving, merciful, wise and faithful He is. Then when difficulties come, you will be able to rest on God's ability and willingness to help you.
'Second,' said Müller, 'try to keep your conscience clear. Don't make a habit of doing those things which are displeasing to God. Otherwise when your faith is tested, you will have no confidence in God because of your guilty conscience.
'Third, don't try to avoid situations where your faith might be tested. Naturally we don't like trusting in God alone but it is when we do this that our faith is strengthened.
'Finally, remember that God will not test you more than you are able to bear. Be patient, and He will prove to you how willing He is to help and deliver, the moment it is good for you.'" (pages 93-94)
Something to ponder on. Which is might thoughts about his life as a whole as well!
Completed 8 June 2024.
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