The morning of March 19th dawned gray and cold over the cramped orphanage houses on Wilson Street in Bristol. George Müller stood in the modest kitchen, surveying the nearly empty shelves that should have held breakfast for the ninety children in his care. For three long days, only seven shillings had come in — barely enough for a single meal, let alone the daily needs of so many hungry mouths.
The situation had never felt more desperate. Müller had built his orphanage work on an unwavering principle: never ask anyone for money, but take every need directly to God in prayer. For years, this approach had sustained them through countless challenges, but today tested the very foundation of his faith. There was, as he would later write, “not one ray of light as far as natural prospects” were concerned.
Standing in that humble kitchen, with empty cupboards and nearly empty coffers, Müller made a decision that revealed the true nature of his trust. Rather than panic or abandon his principles, he gathered his fellow workers together. “This day,” he announced, “shall be set aside for prayer.” At ten-thirty that morning, the small group knelt together in the orphanage parlor, laying their impossible situation before the Lord with quiet confidence.
Before they could even rise from their knees, the first answer came. A knock at the door brought a visitor with a donation. Then another knock, and another gift. By the time their prayer meeting concluded, three separate people had arrived, bringing exactly twenty-one shillings — enough to meet their immediate needs and restore their supplies. What had seemed impossible just hours before became a testimony to God’s perfect timing and provision.
That evening, as ninety children sat down to their supper, Müller reflected on the day’s events. The children had no idea how close they had come to empty plates, but Müller knew he had witnessed something profound. When human resources fail completely, God’s resources remain limitless. The empty cupboards had become full not through human planning or effort, but through simple, believing prayer offered in the midst of an impossible situation.
“Jesus looked at them and said to them,
‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
— Matthew 19:26
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT
Some situations feel completely beyond our ability to change or fix. But what seems impossible to us is possible with God. When you have done everything you can and given your best effort, you can commit the outcome to God with total confidence. He sees every detail of your circumstances and understands the full picture in ways we cannot. God cares deeply about what happens to us, yet He also honors the freedom for each of us to make our own choices and learn through experience. Today, give God the things that are weighing on your heart but are beyond your control and trust that His perfect knowledge and love will guide the outcome.
MY PRAYER
Heavenly Father, when I face situations that seem impossible and have exhausted all my human efforts, help me to trust You completely. Give me the faith to commit my deepest concerns to Your loving care, knowing that You see the beginning and the end while I see only fragments. Teach me to rest in Your perfect timing and infinite wisdom, even when circumstances appear hopeless. May I learn to give thanks in advance for how You will work, trusting that Your love and power can accomplish what I cannot. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
