Finding Faith
The issue of genuine, Biblical faith has become a central focus for my wife and I throughout this year. Every believer has a serious need for more faith; for those who are not aware of this, your need for the increase of faith will be still greater than those who are already concerned for it. Faith is a vital life sign for followers of Christ; even as a pulse, or respiration are vital signs for the physical body.
In this article, I will again bring forward instructions and insights from the life of George Mueller of Bristol; the saint of great faith used of God toward missions and orphans in the 1800’s. Among Christians today, George Mueller’s name is still widely recognized, although his legacy is nearly always misrepresented.
George Mueller was greatly concerned for the lack of faith he witnessed among believers of his day. He believed that the God of the Bible is still the Living God; just as able, just as powerful to help His children today, as He was thousands of years ago. The established orphan work was a means to the end of proving God faithful and trustworthy, even in our “modern” times.
Today, it is usually the orphan work alone that George Mueller is remembered for, though he also founded the Scriptural Knowledge Institute, and traveled widely in missionary journeys nearer to the end of his life (1805-1898). In focusing solely upon the orphan work, it concerns me that believers are missing the true objective of George Mueller’s service to the Lord—and thereby depriving themselves of great benefits in their individual lives of service to our Savior.
If you haven’t heard of George Mueller until this article, he is known for living a life of entire dependence upon God; this means money. As a pastor, he took no salary. A simple offering container was put in a discreet place at the back of the church; where believers could give “as they were able” (Deuteronomy 16:17), or led by the Spirit, without the witness of great crowds.
In terms of what was needed, his petitions went directly (and only) to God; once he was in his “closet” with the door shut (Matthew 6:6). This dependency carried into the orphan work, and every area of his life. But let us now define the parameters of that dependency. Early on in ministry, George Mueller and his close associate Mr. Craik and their wives were alone aware of the needs, confiding in none but the Lord. Later on, when the orphan work had grown so greatly, George Mueller was led of the Spirit to also include those true “yoke fellows” who worked with the orphans.
No broadcast of the orphans’ needs was ever made; all these co-workers were silent, except before God in prayer. There were no fund drives, or partnerships with churches; all were very careful not to even hint at the financial state of the orphan work.
Sources of income were also carefully screened as to their integrity and sincerity. George Mueller considered himself a true steward of his Lord’s goods. When finance was given, it was designated toward a certain expense or purpose. That was God’s provision toward that certain thing, at that certain time; never were those funds then taken and re-allocated elsewhere, when another need became more pressing. God was the giver, and He would provide. No debts were ever taken.
All of this was done day by day; expenses being considered in that way. Such as a monthly rent sum, which would be divided to determine a daily amount. In the sixty plus years of orphan work during George Mueller’s life, every need was provided by prayer alone. Only twice during those years did meals have to be even delayed; and that only by 30 minutes. Provision was depended on very often on a daily, and even meal-to-meal basis. Thousands of times did the Lord supply the needs at the last minute, in the adequate amounts needed.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
George Mueller simply stood in faith upon the promises in God’s Word. He longed to show God’s people just how reliable and trustworthy their creator is! This is also what I would share with you—some of the comfort and insights our Lord brought forth through George Mueller. For this article, all information and quotes are taken from the book Answers to Prayer from Moody Publishers, edited by Rosalie De Rosset.
The true longing of George Mueller’s heart was to inspire true faith in his fellow believers, and thus also glorify God by their spiritual fruit.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit…Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:2…4-8
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16
What could be more fitting to describe George Mueller’s true calling, than to read his own description on the matter? So we will begin with that account;
“Sometimes I found children of God tried in mind by the prospect of old age, when they might be unable to work any longer, and therefore were harassed by the fear of having to go into the poorhouse. If in such a case I pointed out to them, how their Heavenly Father has always helped those who put their trust in Him, they might not, perhaps, always say, that times have changed; but yet it was evident enough, that God was not looked upon by them as the Living God. My spirit was ofttimes bowed down by this, and I longed to set something before the children of God, whereby they might see, that He does not forsake, even in our day, those who rely upon Him.
“Another class of persons were brethren in business, who suffered in their souls, and brought guilt on their consciences, by carrying on their business, almost in the same way as unconverted persons do. The competition in trade, the bad times, the overpeopled country, were given as reasons why, if the business were carried on simply according to the Word of God, it could not be expected to do well. Such a brother, perhaps, would express the wish, that he might be differently situated; but very rarely did I see that there was a stand made for God that there was the holy determination to trust in the living God, and to depend on Him, in order that a good conscience might be maintained. To this class likewise I desired to show, by a visible proof, that God is unchangeably the same.
“Then there was another class of persons, individuals who were in professions in which they could not continue with a good conscience, or persons who were in an unscriptural position with reference to spiritual things; but both classes feared, on account of the consequences, to give up the profession in which they could not abide with God, or to leave their position, lest they should be thrown out of employment. My spirit longed to be instrumental in strengthening their faith, by giving them not only instances from the word of God, of His willingness and ability to help all those who rely upon Him, but to show them by proofs, that He is the same in our day. I well knew that the Word of God ought to be enough, and it was, by grace, enough to me; but still, I considered that I ought to lend a helping hand to my brethren, if by any means, by the visible proof to the unchangeable faithfulness of the Lord, I might strengthen their hands in God; for I remembered what a great blessing my own soul had received through the Lord’s dealings with His servant A. H. Franke, who in dependence upon the living God alone, established an immense Orphan-House, which I had seen many times with my own eyes. I, therefore, judged myself bound to be the servant of the Church of God, in the particular point on which I had obtained mercy: namely, in being able to take God by His word and to rely upon it. All these exercises of my soul, which resulted from the fact that so many believers, with whom I became acquainted, were harassed and distressed in mind, or brought guilt on their consciences, on account of not trusting in the Lord; were used by God to awaken in my heart the desire of setting before the church at large, and before the world, a proof that He has not in the least changed; and this seemed to me best done, by the establishing of an Orphan-House.”
Yet the purpose of writing this article is for the development of faith. Some may think that they will simply be given faith, when instead it should be hungered and thirsted after (Matthew 5:6). Faith is very much like a muscle, which strengthens with exercise. If it is not exercised, it will also weaken. It should be further noted, that the growing of such muscle can be unpleasant, as we are pushed beyond our previous boundaries. It is here that I wish to bring forth George Mueller’s insights into faith development. May the Lord bless you by the mercies which he has given to Mr. Mueller, and myself.
“You ask, How may I, a true believer, have my faith strengthened? The answer is this:
1. – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17. As the increase of faith is a good gift, it must come from God, and therefore He ought to be asked for this blessing.”
Mr. Mueller further admonishes us to ask God for greater faith through the promises of His Word. In studying the Word, we learn more clearly of God’s character. We will find holiness and wisdom, but also limitless grace and mercy to those who seek Him with a contrite heart (Psalms 103:17). By then studying God’s Word, we will be encouraged by His promises, faithfulness, and power in dealing with every situation. So it is for us to pray for more faith, but to do so with meditation on God’s Word. George Mueller says this;
“If God has become known to us through prayer and meditation on His word, will lead us, in general at least, with a measure of confidence to rely upon Him: and thus the reading of the word of God, together with mediation on it, will be one especial means to strengthen our faith.”
It is of the utmost importance to put away all sin out of our lives; and to not “regard iniquity” in our hearts (Psalms 66:18). This is not a matter of having to live a perfect life, because not one of us can do that while still in the flesh. In this use, to “regard” iniquity (sin) means to esteem it, or highly value it. For a true believer, these areas would likely be hidden from them. Therefore we need God to search our hearts (Psalms 139:23,24), and help us to bring them into the light (John 3:21).
Though we may be sincere in our love for Christ, all that we do is not approved by Him. If we have sin in our lives, it produces a separation from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). For God to answer our prayers while there is sin in our lives, would mean that God is approving sin.
2. “How can I possibly continue to act faith upon God, concerning anything, if I am habitually grieving Him, and seek to detract from the glory and honour of Him in whom I profess to trust, upon whom I profess to depend? All my confidence towards God, all my leaning upon Him in the hour of trial will be gone, if I have a guilty conscience, and do not seek to put away this guilty conscience, but still continue to do the things which are contrary to the mind of God.”
Therefore, unforgiven sin becomes a stumbling block to weaken our faith. Every new trial of faith will either weaken it, or strengthen it.
“One or the other of these will always be the case in each particular instance. Either we trust in God, and in that case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our fellow-men, nor in circumstances, nor in anything besides; or we DO trust in one or more of these, and in that case do NOT trust in God.
3. If we, indeed, desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and, therefore, through the trial, be strengthened. In our natural state we dislike dealing with God alone. Through our natural alienation from God we shrink from Him, and from eternal realities. This cleaves to us more or less, even after our regeneration. Hence it is, that more or less, even as believers, we have the same shrinking from standing with God alone, —from depending upon Him alone, —from looking to Him alone:—and yet this is the very position in which we ought to be, if we wish our faith to be strengthened.
“The believer should not shrink from situations, positions, circumstances, in which his faith may be tried; but should cheerfully embrace them as opportunities where he may see the hand of God stretched out on his behalf, to help and deliver him, and whereby he may thus have his faith strengthened.
4. The last important point for the strengthening of our faith is, that we let God work for us, when the hour of the trial of our faith comes, and do not work a deliverance of our own. Wherever God has given faith, it is given, among other reasons, for the very purpose of being tried.
“Yea, however weak our faith may be, God will try it; only with this restriction, that as in every way, He leads on gently, gradually, patiently, so also with reference to the trial of our faith. At first our faith will be tried very little in comparison with what it may be afterwards; for God never lays more upon us that He is willing to enable us to bear. Now when the trial of faith comes, we are naturally inclined to distrust God, and to trust rather in ourselves, or in our friends, or in circumstances.
“We will rather work a deliverance of our own somehow or other, than simply look to God and wait for His help. But if we do not patiently wait for God’s help, if we work a deliverance of our own then at the next trial of our faith it will be thus again, we shall be again inclined to deliver ourselves; and thus with every fresh instance of that kind, our faith will decrease; whilst on the contrary, were we to stand still, in order to see the salvation of God, to see His hand stretched out on our behalf, trusting in Him alone, then our faith would be increased…
“Would the believer, therefore, have his faith strengthened , he must especially, give time to God, who tries his faith in order to prove to His child, in the end, how willing He is to help and deliver him, the moment it is good for him.”
Our faith must always rest upon the unseen God; who gives substance to our hope, and ample evidence of His living presence with us (Hebrews 11:1). Our trust must not lie with our own abilities, but upon the sure promises our Lord has preserved for us.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:9-11
George Mueller places a great emphasis upon faithfully trusting in a God-deliverance, and not one worked by the “arm of flesh.” What does that mean, exactly? The scriptural basis for this is found in Jeremiah 17:5-8;
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8
When we trust in man, or the arm of flesh (ourselves), we are actually cursing ourselves; for our hearts are departing from the Lord. We shall continually dwell in barrenness (instead of blessing), not being able to see when the Lord will bring relief.
As we then turn to the Lord, hoping and trusting in Him, then we will be blessed. No matter what is going on around us, the Lord will provide for us as a tree planted by the river; continually watered, bearing fruit, even during drought.
Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ? Or are you trusting in your own strength? To be of real use in the kingdom of God, we must recognize our own inability; and that apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
When the anticipated income fails, are your eyes upon the Lord? Or do you try to work it out yourself—by taking a loan, finding another job, etc. Do we trust in the Lord to deliver us (Psalms 91:14,15), allowing for His time and method, or do we take it upon ourselves somehow? The hour of trial can be sore, indeed. Our God is ever faithful to His Word, and His children (II Timothy 2:13); He longs to prove our faith true, and to prove Himself true to us.
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.