George Müller’s ministry to orphans began almost 200 years ago, yet the example of his uncomplicated trust in God for every daily provision continues to inspire people around the world today.

In The Autobiography of George Müller, his richness of faith is on full display. The book gives a rare glimpse into Müller’s life through excerpts from his personal diary. We see his early life of rebellion lead to a striking conversion as a young man. We share his daily struggles and triumphs as he answers God’s call to establish the first orphan houses in Bristol, England.

During his lifetime (1805-1898), Müller cared for more than 10,000 orphans as the director of the Ashley Down orphanage and provided Christian education to over 120,000 children in the 117 schools he established.

Yet in all these endeavors Müller never asked anyone for financial support, held a fundraiser, or went into debt. He only petitioned God for his needs and waited for him to move through people. Often he received food donations only hours before they were needed to feed the children. Through countless struggles God supplied every need—each victory further bolstering Müller’s faith.

Christians can find inspiring takeaways sprinkled throughout this book. Mine follow:

Müller spent much time in prayer. He learned that his first concern of the day was not how to serve the Lord, but to have his soul nourished. Müller found rising early in the morning to do so worked best.

Müller meditated on Scripture before praying. Thus, he said his heart was “comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, and instructed.” This also helped him combat a wandering mind while praying.

Müller trusted God’s timing. Müller faced continual challenges and uncertainties in ministry just as we do. He persisted in prayer for more than 3 years for enough funds to come in to begin building the large Ashley Down orphanage. Because he was certain that the assignment was from God, Müller fully trusted He would supply. When money didn’t come in as soon as he would have liked, he adjusted his thinking to trust God’s timing, which always proved right.

Müller never borrowed money. Frequently he was questioned as to why he didn’t buy supplies on credit and trust God to pay for them later.  “I could buy a considerable amount of goods on credit, but the next time we were in need, I would turn to further credit instead of turning to the Lord,” he said. “We consider it our precious privilege to continue to wait upon the Lord instead of buying goods on credit or borrowing money from kind friends. God is now in the tenth year of feeding these orphans, and He has never allowed them to go hungry. He will care for them in the future also.”

Let God work for you. Müller learned that when we work deliverance to a problem solely on our own and don’t wait patiently for God’s help and solution, with every subsequent trial our faith decreases. He shows us that God will prove His willingness to help and deliver at the perfect time. Our faith then will increase.

At first glance this book could be viewed as a dry and boring read, but it progresses into an inspiring testament of unwavering faith. Müller’s words of wisdom on how to trust God in life and ministry will inspire any Christian who wants to wholeheartedly serve the Lord they love. It’s a book I’m glad I read, and will continue to glean inspiration from throughout the coming days.

Copyright © 2021 Cheryl Elton

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January 6, 2021 is a day we will never forget. Watching a massive mob of angry and violent protestors break into our nation’s Capitol, while Congressmen and women cowered on the chamber floor was horrifying and heartbreaking.

It left Americans shaken, scared, uncertain.

Later that day I went out for a walk to think, pray, and try to process what was happening. The beautiful sky and setting sun reminded me of God’s supremacy.

What came to mind were the words on a poster I had as a teenager:

 JESUS CHRIST

Certain in the midst of uncertainty

A firm rock in the sea of speculation

A safe anchorage in the ocean of doubt

Yes, the days we live in are troubling and uncertain. But in the midst of the world’s chaos, Jesus Christ is our certainty. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He gives us a peace the world cannot provide.

In the sea of swirling news and internet speculation, Jesus is the firm Rock on which we stand. All else is sinking sand.

When doubts arise and anxiety grips our hearts, Jesus remains our safe anchorage. His presence is our refuge. The Hope of His coming, our anchor.

Do not neglect your quiet time with God each day. Be salt and light to a troubled world.

That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.  (Philippians 2:15-16 NKJV)

As the days grow darker, the light shines brighter.

Copyright © 2021 Cheryl Elton

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Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

This beautiful expression of God’s love from the hymn “The Love of God” speaks of the measureless immensity of His love toward us. It’s a love that has no fear in it. A love that never fails. A love that endures forever.

God assures us that nothing can separate us from His love . . .

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)

There is no trouble or adversity we can experience in this life in which His love is not present. We could go through seasons of excruciating hardship, agonizing loss, severe famine, or acute danger, yet His love prevails.

Scripture reveals a faithful God, One whose ways are not our ways; a Heavenly Father who is working in all things for the good of those who love Him.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

To evaluate God’s love based on our circumstances can cause us to lose heart. We may think, “How could a loving God allow this to happen to me?”

Remember—God doesn’t promise us a life free of trouble or pain. But He always promises us His love.

Rather than assessing God’s love based on your circumstances, look for how He is expressing His love to you in every situation. You will find that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from His love.

The love that endures forever . . .

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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FIVE—FOUR—THREE—TWO—

I’m teetering at the top of a 130’ vertical rock face high in the mountains of New Mexico, knees shaking, heart pounding, and after two false starts am expected to take that first courageous step at the count of

–O-N-E—to begin my rappel down the cliff—face first!

It’s an Australian rappel: a controlled descent, face first using ropes, off a vertical surface. Standing at the top, I wondered how I could even walk facing down a vertical cliff. Believe me, it goes against all natural instincts!

Trusting to do what appeared impossible was huge, even with the assurance that my belayer on the ground would do his job with the ropes, and that those ropes would hold me if I fell.

But beating out my fear, I took that first step, and scampering down the cliff safely to the ground was an exhilarating thrill I’ll never forget. Especially for a 24-year-old city girl who had never even been hiking!

Trusting, even when things seem impossible, can be difficult. Many of us  struggle with trusting God—who we cannot see—for what we cannot see.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

This well-known passage may come to mind before giving our situation or need to God in prayer. But how often, right after doing so, does our mind quickly begin formulating scenarios and well-crafted plans of how we think, or hope, God will work?

Like taking that first step off the cliff—trusting with full surrender is key to truly trusting God.

Wrestling with solutions from within our own intrinsic inability—or leaning on our own understanding—results in not trusting Him.

Only when we relinquish our issue to the Lord with genuine finality does it assure that He can go to work. He meets our “God, I’m done with this, You have to do the rest” with ease, once we step out of His way.

A pastor I know shared with me how he learned this through a situation earlier this year. The ministry needed $12,000 to cover previous and pending expenses for its work in Africa. After much prayer, it was coming down to the wire and still funds were lacking.

“Thursday I fully surrendered my prayer of trust to God, and finalized it with Proverbs 3:5,” he said. “Friday I rested in its peace. Saturday morning the Lord told me to go to the post office. There I found a letter of Ephesians 3:20 proportion. It contained a check for $20,000!”

Are you trusting God with all your heart, or are you still hanging on to things?

We can trust God for what we cannot see. We simply need to fully surrender our needs and situations into His capable hands, get out of His way, and let Him do the work only He can do!

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Recently I’m hearing a lot of talk about how and what it looks like to live pleasing to God. In this quest, we often long to understand God’s will, or His plan for our life. Even those with years of faith-filled living, at times find themselves asking, “What does God want me to be doing?”

Psalm 37 gives three simple directives, which when applied to daily living can help us find the answers we seek.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.  (Psalm 37:3-5 NKJV) 

TRUST. In any relationship, bonds of trust are built through time together, and much conversation. Why do we think the same wouldn’t apply to God?  

DELIGHT. When we delight in God, His delight becomes reciprocal. The Hebrew word for delight (anag) is a reflexive verb, meaning the action falls back onto the subject. This is why “yourself” is included after the word “delight.”

God delights in us spending time with Him. And when His presence becomes the joy of our hearts, our very nature undergoes transformation—becoming more like Him—and in the process He gives, or puts desires on our hearts.

COMMIT. To commit means to “roll.” I commit, or roll my way off of myself, away from myself, and onto Him. In doing so, the progression of trusting, delighting and committing goes full circle: by committing my life to Him, I again display trust and delight, and in the process, He brings to pass those desires on my heart.

God takes care of our plans, our future, our dreams and aspirations as we TRUST Him, DELIGHT in Him, and COMMIT ourselves to Him.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.   (Psalm 37:23-25 NLT)

As we seek His presence and live close to Him, our lives will be blessed and guided by His plans and purposes. The Lord aims to transform us into His likeness through a life of faith—trusting, delighting, and committing ourselves to Him.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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I woke to the steady rhythm of waves pounding on the shore, the unremitting rise and fall of the tide easing me out of the night’s slumber.

Outside my window, the beach where folks leisurely walked the night before now covered in water.

High tide. 

Though powerful and dangerous, there’s something calming about the sight and sound of the ocean—the constancy of the waves’ ebb and flow relaxing, reassuring. 

Here we see God’s majesty on full display, and gazing out at the endless sea, we become small. 

Through summer’s warm sunny days, people gather here to enjoy the water, the sun, and the sand. Groups sit and talk, while sharing a picnic lunch. Kids at the water’s edge dig sand tunnels, letting waves fill them with water, while others build sand castles, only to have the breakers knock them down. 

And surprisingly, during my days at the ocean I saw no one on the beach looking at their phones! 

In a world filled with distraction and noise, people still flock here for solace. To be reminded that not everything need be scheduled, that there is a place where it’s okay to unplug and remember a simpler life. 

To gain perspective on life and what’s important. 

To observe God’s faithfulness through the wonder of nature . . . 

Quiet walks along the shore, lying on the sand watching clouds roll by, reveling in the warmth of sunshine on my skin. This is where I long to stay. A place where time loses its urgency, and my to-do list doesn’t matter. 

God speaks to us through the wonder of creation. Here I can praise His presence, perceive His love, and enjoy His peace . . . 

Wherever you are, take time to appreciate God’s creation today.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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“You’re not making me want to do this,” I uneasily laughed. The pre-op nurse stood before me reciting a litany of risks of surgery: from possible infection, to cardiac arrest . . . to death.

For a split second, fear gripped my heart. This was elective surgery. Do I really want to go through with this?

Let’s face it . . . surgery brings anxiety.

The uncertainties, the unknowns, the disruption of routines, the fear of pain . . . The hidden things in our hearts that leave us teetering on the brink of fear often surface during this time.

Last Tuesday morning, getting to the day surgery center was for me the most challenging part of the day.

Because of the newness of the procedure I was having on my foot, the closest doctor was 3 hours from my home. This left plenty of time on the drive over with my husband for anxieties to brew—exacerbated by an early departure on little sleep, the beginnings of a headache, and trying not to think about the restriction on food and drink—(tough for us breakfast people!)

Yet as I gazed out at the rising sun, a thought came: When was the last time the sun failed to come up?

A daily testament to God’s faithfulness, the sun rises each morning, signaling another new day—and not one of us has any control over it!

I considered the sky, the clouds, the trees, and reflected on the awesomeness of God’s creation.

Surely, I am part of that creation! Couldn’t the One who so awesomely and wonderfully made the amazing intricacies of my body—He who designed it to function and heal—see me through this time? 

In that moment, I started thanking God for the blessings all around me. I began praising Him for who He is, all He’s made, the life He’s given me.

Praise quickly gave rise to prayer, and one by one, I turned my anxious concerns over to Him, leaving each in His capable hands.

By the time we reached the surgery center, I realized my headache had lifted, my heart was at peace.

In Psalm 77, Asaph was consumed with distress, self-concern, worries, complaining. So troubled he could not speak, he wondered, where is God? “Will He be favorable no more?” 

But then he recalled times he had experienced the greatness and goodness of God:

“I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds . . . Who is so great a God as our God?”  (Psalm 77:11-13)

Asaph found that as long as he looked within himself and let his mind ramble with worries and “what-ifs,” he would be miserable.

When his focus returned to God and His greatness, Asaph’s problems shrank into insignificance.

As I prepared for my surgery, I learned again that I could choose: to keep dwelling on my self-centered anxious thoughts, or to put my mind on “things above.”

God was with me. He would see me through this time, like He has so many others.

Is He not faithful to His promises?

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5b)

No matter how big or small, how routine or complex your surgery is, remember—as you prepare—God is there to provide what you need and give you peace.

Thankfulness and praise open the doors to His presence. Prayer opens the floodgates to His peace.

^“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

For related posts, click on Topic Tags for “training,” “worry,” “praise.”

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A friend of ours was in trouble. A foolish mistake had cascaded into unexpected legal issues, turning his life upside down. The stress was nearly unbearable for him—its effects spilling over, changing, and challenging every area of his life.

As he retained an attorney and the weeks, then months rolled by, he was gradually forced to adjust to an entirely different life path than familiar.

My husband and I did our best to support him, counsel him, and pray for him, watching and waiting for things to resolve.

Now, eighteen months later, this friend recently visited us. Things have vastly improved, though still not fully resolved. The advice his attorney had given him he didn’t favor at the time, but eventually followed.

As we sipped coffee and discussed the situation, he shared how he was realizing the even muddier mess he probably avoided had he not followed his lawyer’s counsel. He talked about the good things that have emerged in his life over this time—lessons learned, and character building traits he’ll carry forward a lifetime.

A Scripture came to mind, which we talked about:

“If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater;” (1 John 5:9a NASB)

How readily we embrace the counsel of a trusted source: the doctor’s advice for a chronic pain, the plumber’s expertise to fix a leak, the tree removal company who has the knowledge and equipment I don’t when that old tree in the yard must come down.

We place our trust in these people to help us when needed. We trust their words and their expertise.

Yet why do we often struggle to trust what God says? Isn’t He the “expert in the field” of life?

Isn’t He trustworthy?

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19 NLT)

Every principle and promise of God is worthy of our trust.

In the Old Testament, Jeremiah likened the person who puts their trust in God to a tree planted near a river:

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.
They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. 

‘But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.’” (Jeremiah 17:5-8 NLT)

The river (the LORD) will provide for the tree (the person), giving it (him or her) nourishment and sustenance, even during hard times.

If life has taken an unforeseen detour, and you are in the middle of working it out—remember—you can trust God’s words to you. His counsel will not fail you.

Simply trust.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

Like the tree by the river, you will not only thrive, but also bear fruit!

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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A feeling of finality came over me as I thumbed through, then closed my 2016 monthly planner.

December 31. Another year ended . . .

By the grace of God it had been a good year, despite some unexpected challenges and changes. He had seen us through.

We are grateful.

As I open my new 2017 calendar I pause to admire its clean pages. Each one an empty slate, soon to be filled in with day-to-day happenings, appointments, and special occasions.

A new year brings hope. A sense of new beginnings. A time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

To look ahead to new and better days . . .

Like the first blank page of a new calendar year, our new life in Christ is a new beginning—each and every day. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV) 

The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is now the transforming power of Christ dwelling in us—enabling us to put away old deplorable behaviors, and change—becoming more and more like Him.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:4 NLT) 

As we begin the New Year, may we take time to be still in His presence—allowing Him to strengthen us and give us direction for the days ahead—to fill us with His peace, His joy, His hope. 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NKJV) 

Each day, may we be transformed more and more into His likeness as we live in His presence.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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In New York, high school students are expected to take Regents exams. These are statewide standardized tests in core high school subjects.

For me, studying for them was a big deal. As a college bound student, I wanted to achieve the best possible grades. In addition to spending hours memorizing and reviewing information, I adapted special scriptures I called my “Regents verses”: 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

Pausing to pray before taking an exam, I would ask God to help bring to mind the information I needed when I needed it.

Today, I smile as I remember that time. I was learning to trust God, even in something as routine as taking an exam.

Over time I’ve learned that trusting God is more than claiming faith in His promises, or running Bible verses through my mind. Trust involves relationship. As with our most cherished human relationships, trust is built through dialogue and sharing.

Because we trust God, we can share with Him our deepest heart cries and secrets, our needs, thanks and praises.

While relying on our own understanding of things can weigh us down, living in His presence frees us up to trust. We trust God even when we don’t understand, or things go “wrong.” Our trust doesn’t falter when the path becomes rocky or steep.

Holding His hand in childlike trust, He lovingly guides us. We acknowledge Him in all our ways. We begin to see things from His perspective. 

And with hopeful confidence, we find He directs our paths.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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