Kingdom Exploits: George Müller

A young man, about 15, sat in a prison cell, chains around his wrists. He would spend nearly 30 days here before his father bailed him out. It was Christmas Day time and so he hummed a carol. But don't feel sorry for him. He was rightfully imprisoned. He'd tried to escape from two hotels without paying the bills. He was supposed to go home but he'd written to his father and made up some story about singing in a choir and so needing to stay on longer. He didn't regret the theft or the lies. He just regretted that he'd been caught.

He continued to lie and deceive and when he went to university he started drinking, gambling and playing cards. He was in so much debt to his friends, to the Ale house, to the matron, that he began manipulating his friends, cheating them and stealing from them. He thought very little about the consequences of his actions.

If you had met him then, I don't think any of us would have looked at him and thought, "God is going to use this man to change thousands of lives." He certainly wouldn't have predicted that more than 10,000 orphaned children would one day be cared for through his ministry. You wouldn't have imagined that he would become known across the world for a life of extraordinary faith, or that, over a hundred years after his death, Christians would still be telling his story. But that's exactly what happened. This young man was George Müller, and he did great exploits for God.

Kingdom exploits aren't about building our own reputation; they're about participating in God's mission.

George Müller dedicated his life to preaching, caring for the poor and sharing the gospel.

Each of us has a unique calling, and our individual obedience becomes part of the much bigger story of what God is doing in the world.

Just like George Müller did, there are 3 things we can do to position ourselves to unlock God’s mission in our lives.

1)       Kingdom Exploits begin with knowing God (John 14:7-9).

Before his conversion, George Müller was simply a religious young man. When the Holy Spirit convicted him, his heart changed and he spent the rest of his life getting to know Jesus.

2)       Kingdom Exploits require faith to believe in God (Hebrews 11:1).

There were many times in George Müller’s life where God provided what seemed impossible. Depending on God means believing He can do anything.

3)       Kingdom Exploits demand obedience (Luke 12:33).

George Müller obeyed God even when the cost seemed high or there was opposition. He was resolute in his following and obedience to Jesus.

When we live as Müller did, God’s heart is revealed. God provides for His mission, and God writes a story greater than we could ask or imagine. Our obedience leads to an eternal legacy.

Father God, thank you for those who have gone before us and set an example of Kingdom Exploits. We want to see you do incredible things through us. Help us to spend time with you daily. Help us to believe and to obey what you call us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-           Taken from Bethany Milne’s message.

Next Steps:

1)       What is your response to what you have just read?

2)       Read more about George Müller: https://www.mullers.org/timeline

3)       Catch up with the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoMlcScTUTE