I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and I in him,
he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 ESV
George Müller devoted 64 years to caring for 10,000 orphans at a cost of 988,829 pounds. That's millions of dollars adjusted for inflation. I don't know about you, but 10,000 mouths to feed would make me rocket out of bed every morning and get to work! Not George. He said, “The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord." [1]
Müller's determination to spend time with the Lord underscored his belief in Jesus' words, "apart from me you can do nothing!" But it was his reliance on Christ all through the day--every day--that demonstrated that belief. Remember the 988,829 pounds? Müller trusted God to deliver the money and supplies necessary to care for the children. He never asked for money. At 25, he privately resolved to trust God alone for his resources. He lived out that resolve until the day he died. And God always came through.
What's on your agenda today? For a moment just put it aside and reflect on Jesus' words,"apart from me you can do nothing!" Acknowledge your dependence on Him . . . not just for the challenges you are facing today, but for everything you are facing today.
The first great business of the day is not the "To Do" list, but to have your soul "happy in the Lord." Like Müller, you will discover that with His help you can tackle anything that comes your way (Philippians 4:13).
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1Note: A nod to Philip D. Kenneson for borrowing his title, Life on the Vine. I recommend his book!
2George Mueller, A Narrative of Some of the Lord's Dealing with George Muller, Written by Himself, Jehovah Magnified. Addresses by George Muller Complete and Unabridged, 2 vols. (Muskegon, Mich.: Dust and Ashes, 2003)