Remarkable Lives
One of the biographies I am currently reading to my grandsons is the story of George Muller. George, a pastor of a small church in England, became concerned about orphaned children living on the streets. To address the needs he saw, he opened his first of five orphanages in 1834. At the time of his passing at the age of 93, he had cared for 10,024 orphans.
Here are some other things to note about Mr Muller:
During his lifetime, he recorded 50,000 both big and little answered prayers in his journal.
Praying and trusting God would provide the funds needed to care for the children, he never solicited funds or donations, and yet it is estimated that he received approximately 1.5 million pounds (equalling 2.6 million dollars) through faithful prayer.
It is also estimated that he read through the Bible 200 times.
One of his biographers wrote that when Mueller died, it was discovered that there were two grooves worn into the wooden floor by his bed. He had literally worn two depressions into the floor by his knees as he knelt beside his bed reading God’s Word and praying day after day.
When I read about those who live remarkable Christian lives, like Mr Muller, I see a common thread appear: they are all diligent readers of God’s Word.
In Joshua 1:8, the Spirit of the Lord speaks to Joshua: Keep this book of the Law always on your lips. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Psalm 1 echoes the same sentiment: Blessed is the man… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
2 Timothy 3:16 &17 reads: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
It seems that God has given us a clear path to success and prosperity; to being equipped for every good work. It is to read His word, meditate on it and to be careful to do what it says.
What are your hopes and dreams as this new ministry season begins? What is it that you are praying and trusting God for? May I suggest that in the midst of the volunteer recruitment, the work of on-boarding new and returning volunteers, the programming and lesson planning that needs to happen, and all the other demands and responsibilities that fill our days, that we start first with sitting with our Bibles open, reminding ourselves of the goodness and greatness of God. Let us commit to listening to the nudges of His Holy Spirit to guide us as we lead and care for the children He has entrusted to us.
God knew that His calling on Joshua’s life was a challenging one. Why else would He tell him four times in three verses to be strong and courageous! And He gave him the path towards that strength and courage: read my Word, meditate on it, and live in obedience to what you read.
We may not be leading a nation into the Promised land currently occupied by an enemy. But we are leading children into a relationship with Jesus that will impact their eternities. The work we do matters! Won’t you join me in committing to be a consistent and faithful reader of God’s Word? Together we will grow strong and courageous and be part of the grand adventure of seeing God work in the lives of the kids we love and lead.
Strength and courage also comes from being part of a likeminded community. I invite you to mark your calendars for March 7 and 8 and join me at the Awesome Kidmin Conference 2025. The theme is “Anchored in Courage.” And one thing I know (well, I hope that I know more than one thing;) is that when it comes to finding courage, it comes more easily when I am surrounded by a strong and courageous community. Come and be part of what will be an amazing gathering of an Awesome Kidmin Community.