George Müller was a missionary who impacted individuals all across the world through his radiating love and reliance on Christ. His life is a testimony to the inexplicable blessings of God and His constant provision. Through him, we’re given a picture of what it truly means to trust God for all of your needs.
Primarily involved in orphanages in Bristol, England, Müller and his wife were preparing breakfast for one of these orphanages, but no food was left. Nevertheless, Müller thanked the Lord praying, “Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat.” Then there was a knock at the door, and George went to answer it. It was a baker who felt prompted by God to bring them some fresh bread. Müller thanked the man and turned to the children to announce what God had done for them. Then he heard a second knock. This time it was a milkman. His cart had broken down near the orphanage, and since the milk would spoil, he decided to give what he had to the orphanage. Muller gave selflessly, and he trusted God for his daily bread. The baker and the milkman’s generosity allowed them to be used by God.
So how can you live life generously and trust God for your daily bread? I often hear people say that they can't afford to give, but this couldn't be further from the truth. You can’t afford not to give. We own nothing; we are simply stewards of what God has entrusted us. Giving requires faith and trust in the Lord, just like the Israelites trusted in God for their daily manna.
Exodus 16: 16-17 says, “The Lord says, ‘Each of you should gather what you need, a basket of manna for everyone in your family.’ So that is what the Israelites did. Some people gathered a large amount, some people gathered a little. But when they measured what they had gathered, there was no shortage and there was none left over.”
He gave them only what they needed for the day, not too much and not too little. If God can make manna fall from the sky to provide for His people, what can He do in your life?
American Missionary Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
If you find yourself struggling to give or giving with a grudging heart, then money may be an idol in your life.