Reading the biography of George Mueller as a young man, I was challenged and inspired by his example. In checking just now, Mueller read through the Bible over 200 times during his life. Mueller had a special life with God. He thought Bible reading had something to do with it.
(I also met a woman once who had read the Bible 36 times. Her life wasn’t all that special, so just reading the Bible isn’t enough.)
Mueller became a man of faith. He believed God.
I’m fairly ordinary, but God helps me. Why?
Because I’m willing to put myself in places where I need His help.
About fifteen years ago, I quit using an alarm clock. I trust God to get me up in the morning, and I’m awakened each workday at about 6:30.
I recently met a deadline at work. Some unanticipated time “appeared,” and I was able to get some things done that needed to be done. My co-worker was amazed: again. She said, “Don’s got friends in high places.”
Another co-worker pointed up and said, “He sure does.”
Mini-miracles? You bet.
In reading the Bible, I’ve found another man who’s example inspired me: Hushai, the Arkite.
Not much is written about the man. I get the sense that he was fairly ordinary. But this is what is written about him in 1st Chronicles, “Hushai the Archite was the king's friend…”
Hushai was the friend of King David. Hushai helped David out when David was fleeing from his son, Absolom. This all happens in 2 Samuel, but all that appears in 1st Chronicles is the simple phrase, “Hushai the Archite was the king's friend…”
Jesus is called many things in the Bible, but one of my favorites was an accusation: “…a friend of publicans (tax-collectors) and sinners.” The Friend of sinners was also known as the King of kings.
One of the main aspirations of my life has been to be a friend to One who has befriended me. Hushai was labeled as “the king’s friend.”
Wouldn’t it be great… to be labeled… “the King’s friend”?
I’d say George Mueller was one of the King’s friends. They hung out. They talked. They were involved in each other’s lives. God did miracles in Mueller’s life because Mueller trusted him to. Mueller put himself in spots where he needed God’s help, and God helped.
Once upon a time, a Man walked on water: Jesus.
But what is often not mentioned was another man also walked on water: Peter.
As Jesus was walking on the water, Peter, asked Jesus to “Bid me come.”
“And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
Miracles, big and small, happened to the friends of Jesus. They still do.
If only Jesus were still gathering friends! If only he were still saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
If only Jesus were still gathering friends! If only he were still saying, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
If only God had a book and still spoke to ordinary people!
(Pssttt… He does.)
Pretty good stuff, Don.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that we can find those miracles today. Great post Don!
ReplyDeleteThe problem is, most people can't see the forest because the darned trees keep getting in the way.
ReplyDeleteCan't hear the wind because of the noise the leaves are making, rattling around up there in the treetops. Good post, Don.
@Dennis: Thanks. ;-)
ReplyDelete@September: Mini-miracles are abundant... for those who are attentive.
@Deedee: You're right. That's why we need a reminder from time to time.
As always, good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI don't know for sure, but I think Jesus finds that one thing for each person that speaks to them in such a way that they know it is Him...and then it becomes much easier, even natural, to let him in and share a meal.
@Saphron: I tend to agree with you. God knows how to speak to each heart: clearly.
ReplyDelete