Few names in Christian history stand as towering examples of faith and prayer as George Müller. His life, marked by unwavering trust in God and a profound commitment to prayer, continues to inspire believers around the world. Born in 1805 in Prussia, Müller’s journey from a life of sin to a life of service is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
Müller’s early years were far from exemplary. By the age of ten, he was already stealing money from his father, and his teenage years were characterized by deceit, theft, and gambling. His mother passed away when he was fourteen, and on the night of her death, Müller was out drinking and playing cards.
Despite his enrollment in the University of Halle to study divinity, his life was marked by what he described as “wicked behavior and an unrepentant spirit.”
The turning point in Müller’s life came in 1825 when he attended a prayer meeting. This meeting profoundly moved him, sparking a transformation that would define the rest of his life. Müller later reflected, “I have no doubt … that He began a work of grace in me. Even though I scarcely had any knowledge of who God truly was, that evening was the turning point in my life”. This encounter with God ignited a passion for prayer.
Resolved to live a life wholly dependent on God’s guidance and provision, he made it a daily practice to bring his needs and those of others before the Lord. This habit would become the foundation upon which his life’s work was built.
In 1834, Müller embarked on a journey that would test his faith in ways he could never have imagined. Burdened by the plight of orphans in Bristol, England, he established an orphanage, but with a unique twist – he vowed never to ask anyone for financial support. Instead, he would rely solely on God’s provision through prayer.
From the outset, Müller’s endeavor was met with skepticism and doubt. How could a man with no financial resources or backing hope to undertake such a monumental task? Yet, Müller remained steadfast in his conviction. He believed that if God had called him to this work, then God would provide for every need. And provide He did, in ways that defied human logic.
Through the years, Müller witnessed countless miracles as God faithfully supplied the resources needed to care for the orphans. From food and clothing to shelter and education, every need was met through prayer and the generosity of God’s people. Müller’s unwavering trust in the Lord’s provision became a living testimony to the world, inspiring countless individuals to deepen their own prayer lives and trust in God.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Müller’s prayer life was his commitment to recording every answered prayer. Over the course of his life, he documented more than 50,000 specific answers to prayer, a staggering number that serves as a powerful reminder of God’s attentiveness to the cries of His children. Müller’s life was a living example of the truth found in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
One notable instance of God’s provision occurred when the orphanage had no food. As they gathered for their morning meal, the cupboards were bare, and there was no apparent means of obtaining provisions. Undeterred, Müller led the children in prayer, trusting that God would provide. Remarkably, as they were praying, a knock came at the door. A baker stood there, explaining that he had been unable to sleep the previous night and felt compelled to bake bread for the orphanage. Shortly after, a second knock revealed a farmer arrived with a cart full of milk, having felt an inexplicable urge to share his surplus with the orphanage.
In another instance, Müller found himself in need of a substantial sum of money to cover the orphanage’s expenses. With unwavering faith, he prayed, and within a few days, an anonymous donor sent a letter containing the exact amount needed, down to the last penny.
Another remarkable story from his travels involves a journey to Quebec. Müller’s ship encountered thick fog, and the captain informed him that they would not be able to reach their destination on time. Müller requested to pray in the chart room, and after a simple prayer, he assured the captain that the fog would lift. When they returned to the deck, the fog had indeed cleared, allowing Müller to keep his appointment. The captain, deeply moved by this experience, became a Christian shortly afterward.
Over the course of his life, he received and disbursed over $7 million (equivalent to billions in today’s currency) for the care of orphans and the spread of the gospel, all without ever asking for donations or going into debt.
In a world that often values self-reliance and human effort, George Müller’s life is a powerful reminder of what God can accomplish through a person wholly devoted to Him. He believed that prayer was not a last resort but the first and most powerful resource available to believers. Through his unwavering trust and reliance on God, he not only cared for thousands of orphaned children but also inspired generations of believers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer.
His story encourages us to trust in God’s provision, commit ourselves to prayer, and live lives of service and compassion. As we reflect on Müller’s legacy, may we be inspired to deepen our own faith and seek God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives. Let us remember that, like Müller, we serve a God who hears and answers prayers and who can use our lives to bring about His purposes in the world.
Müller’s life was a living illustration of the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” His story reminds us that when we surrender our lives to the Lord and seek His will through prayer, we can trust Him to provide.
