Day 23: George Müller - “Enriched to Be Generous”
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. ”
Introduction
We learned from an early age that sharing is caring— that we should be generous to those in need. Yet, in reality, it can be difficult. Being generous is challenging when we ourselves don’t have much. And living in an expensive city certainly doesn’t help. We may want to give, but not have enough to do so.
George Müller, a Prussian evangelist and pastor, experienced this dilemma. He desired to help the needy, but didn’t have much himself. That didn’t stop him, however. In 1836, Müller saw the hardships and terrible living conditions for orphans in Bristol and felt compelled to serve them. His heart to assist these children was greater than his concern for his own needs.
Enriched to Be Generous
Müller first started caring for orphans out of his own pocket by opening his home to them. He knew he and his wife would eventually need a larger building, and that need became urgent once the orphans exceeded his house capacity and neighbors started complaining. But without the right finances, this was impossible.
By faith, Müller trusted that God would provide him with all he needed to meet the orphans’ needs. And God did. He enriched Müller so that he could be generous to the poor. God gave so that Müller could give. Throughout his ministry, Müller built five houses and cared for over 10,000 children.
Reflection
God doesn’t call us to give and serve based on our limitations but on His limitless resources and power. In fact, all that we have—our finances, relationships, and skills—has been entrusted to us by God so that we can bless others. Like Müller, let’s faithfully rely on God to supply what we need to provide for others. All it takes is to pray for God to enrich us so that we can be generous in our giving and serving.