January 4. The Lord has given me precious proof that He is delighted when we expect great things from Him. I have received three thousand pounds this evening-the largest donation I have ever had. Far larger sums are expected in order that it may be even more apparent that the best way to obtain financial means for the work of the Lord is simply to trust Him. My joy in God on account of this donation cannot be described take the money out of the hands of the living God. My soul is calm and peaceful, without any emotional excitement, although the donation is so large. Like a voice from heaven, it encourages me to build another Orphan House. - George Muller
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January 3, 1846. One of the orphans gave sixpence for the building fund. This morning I asked the Lord to go before me, and I went out to look for a piece of ground. The armory had been mentioned to me several times as a suitable place. I did not think so, yet I thought I should at least look at it. After I saw it, my judgment about its unsuitableness was confirmed. On my way back to the city, I saw some fields near the armory. This evening I have been led to write to the owner, asking whether he wants to sell them. I am now quietly waiting for the Lord's further direction. If His time has come to answer our requests for a suitable piece of land, I will be glad. If not, I desire that patience may have her perfect work. - George Muller January 3, 1842. This evening we had a precious prayer meeting. When the usual time for closing the meeting came, some of us wanted to continue to wait upon the Lord. I suggested that those who had bodily strength, time, and a desire to wait longer upon the Lord, do so. At least thirty remained, and we continued in prayer until after ten. I never knew deeper prayer in the Spirit. I experienced an unusual nearness to the Lord and was able to pray in faith, without doubting. - George Muller January 2, 1851. Last week I began reading from the book of Proverbs. My heart has been refreshed by the following passage: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5- 6). By the grace of God, I do acknowledge the Lord in my ways. I have the comfortable assurance that He will direct my paths concerning this new Orphan House. "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them" (Prov. 11:3). My honest purpose is to give glory to God, and therefore, I expect to be guided by Him. "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established" (Prov. 16:3). I do commit my works to the Lord, and therefore, I expect that my thoughts will be established. My heart is calm, quiet, and assured that the Lord will use me further in the orphan work. January 1, 1841. During this week we have met daily for prayer, asking the Lord for the means to have last year's report printed. It is three weeks since it should have been sent to the press. If the report is not printed soon, people will know that it is because we lack money. By the donations which came in during these last days for the orphans, and by ten pounds which was given today, we can pay for about two thirds of the printing. Therefore, we sent a part of the manuscript, trusting that the Lord would send in more money. But if not, we will wait until more comes in. January 1, 1840. About one o'clock this morning, I received a sealed envelope with some money in it for the orphans. The individual who gave it was deeply in debt, and I was aware that she had been repeatedly asked by her creditors for payment. I resolved to return the envelope without opening it because no one has a right to give while in debt. I did this although I knew there was not enough on hand to meet the expenses of the day. About eight o'clock this morning a brother brought five pounds which he had just received from his mother. The brother was led to bring it at once! January 1, 2, and 3, 1839. We have had three special prayer meetings these three days. The year began with blessings. In the first hour of the year, two pounds seven shillings came in for the orphans. The money was given after our usual prayer meeting on December 31, which lasted from seven in the evening until after midnight. December 31. We have had many expenses during the past year, but during no period of my life has the Lord so richly supplied me. Truly, it must be obvious to all that I serve a kind Master. It is by far best to act according to the will of the Lord concerning temporal things! December 31. In review of the year 1837, eighty-one children live in the three Orphan Houses, and nine workers care for them. Ninety people daily sit down to the table. Lord, look on the needs of Your servant! The schools require even more help than before, particularly the Sunday school in which there are about 320 children. Lord, Your servant is a poor man, but I have trusted in You and made my boast in You before the sons of men. Do not let me fail in this work! Let it not be said all this was mere emotion and enthusiasm and will eventually come to nothing! December 31. We had a prayer meeting to praise the Lord for His goodness during the past year and to ask Him to continue His favor toward us. |
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