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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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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Do you have a quiet place you go to be alone with God? A place where you pour out your prayers and praises and seek His counsel?

For me, during my early years as a Christian in high school and college, a local park and nearby beaches were my special places. I loved to sit and watch the tide roll in, reminding me of God’s faithfulness as I quieted my heart in His presence. Today, I have my comfy chair at home.

Quiet time with the Lord is imperative if we want to maintain peace in our lives. Jesus tells us in this life there will be trouble—but in Him we find peace.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)

Seasons of trials, conflict, afflictions, and adversity are inevitable in this life. The world is a volatile and unpeaceful place, and tuning in to the news often inflames uncertainty. If we let it, anxiety and worry can easily consume us on every front.

A respected ministry leader and teacher I know once suggested that peace is our greatest spiritual weapon.

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. (Romans 16:20 NKJV)

God’s peace is the only weapon that can work instantly, to crush Satan under our feet! Only by maintaining peace in our minds and hearts will we be able to hear from God when the storms come.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV)

The antidote to so many of our struggles is found in His presence. There is no greater habit we can incorporate into our lives than quiet time with Him in the secret place each day.

Silencing our hearts through prayer and His presence, God brings His Word to our remembrance, He gives us wisdom; He speaks His counsel into the depths of our hearts.

Jesus, the One who has overcome the world, is in you. Talk to Him often and share your life with Him. Let His peace rule in your heart—the wonderful peace found only in His presence.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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A new year brings hope, a sense of new beginnings and better days. For many, it’s a time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

As Christians, perhaps now more than ever we need to stay strong in the Lord.

 Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  (Ephesians 6:10)

This verse begins a section of scripture—Ephesians 6:10-17—which gives us the crucial reminder that at its core, life is spiritual. We’re to “put on” the armor of God to ready ourselves for the spiritual battle at hand, and to be victors in this life through Christ.

The armor we’re told to put on is the:

• Belt of TRUTH
• Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
• Sandals of PEACE
• Shield of FAITH
• Helmet of SALVATION
• Sword of the Spirit—the WORD OF GOD

The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very presence of Christ Himself. By putting on the armor of God, life becomes no longer about simply fulfilling our own desires, but allowing ourselves to be transformed into His likeness, so we may carry out His work in the world.

As the only offensive weapon on the list, the sword of the Spirit is significant.

From the original Greek, verse 17 reads: “the sword of the Spirit is the word (rhema) of Christ.”  

A rhema (word) is a “speaking.” This certainly includes the written word of God. In the gospels we see Jesus, when confronted by the devil, bolding proclaiming “It is written . . .” as He quotes from the Old Testament.

Most notably for us today, a rhema is also a speaking by the Holy Spirit into our Spirit—a revelation word for a specific situation in the moment. The rhema of Christ must be wielded like a sword—spoken out and acted upon—to yield the results God desires.

God has given us this magnificent imagery of the armor so we might draw near to Him and experience His presence and power—thereby enabling us to be victorious in the spiritual battles of life.

The power of God is demonstrated by the rhema of Christ.

Perhaps our greatest goal for the new year should be to sharpen our swords—to spend more time in His presence, to learn to hear His voice as He speaks rhema words to us—and to proclaim His word, His power, and His love to the world around us greater than ever before.

I want to start the new year strong—strong in the Lord, equipped with the full armor of God—living day by day in His presence.

How about you?

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Friday night I attended a special meeting at church for those who are grieving or have experienced loss around the holidays. With me was our good friend R., who recently lost his mother.

It was a quiet, healing time for all. Some, like R., who lost a loved one this year, were deeply comforted by the love of God shared and simply being together.

Others, like myself, had time to reflect on other kinds of losses we have experienced, and how God’s grace and goodness have carried us through.

Jesus tells us that here on earth there will be sorrow, yet in Him we find peace:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Seasons of trials, loneliness, and sorrow come to all of us at times. They don’t just disappear because we turn the calendar to December.

While songs of holiday joy fill workplaces and shopping malls, hospitals remain full. For some, loved ones will not be home for Christmas. Family in the military, broken relationships, illness, loss of loved ones, and a thousand other trials big and small continue to fill people’s lives, even through this season of “cheer.”

Christmas isn’t about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. It’s about turning our eyes to things above, accepting God’s love into our hearts, and remembering the greatest gift ever given: His wonderful Son.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  (John 3:1)

The holidays present a special time to extend the love of Christ to those in need, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to shine as lights in a dark and troubled world.

Do you know someone who is feeling the sting of loss this Christmas?

Reach out to them this week with the love of God, and remind them that they are not alone.

It may be the greatest gift they receive.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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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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In July 2013 I ventured solo to Philadelphia to attend my first-ever writers’ conference—The Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. As I sat down the first day in my first workshop, the first person I spoke with was the woman sitting next to me, Sarah Lynn Phillips.

We quickly discovered we both were working on books, and instantly hit if off. Since that time, we have cheered one another on to see each of our books not only reach publication, but also win awards!

Penned Without Ink: Trusting God to Write Your Story is a book about trusting God, even when the unthinkable happens. Sarah writes with humility, transparency, and vulnerability the true story of a tragic car accident that left her with a broken neck, her daughters injured and shaken, and her husband teetering on the brink of death from a traumatic brain injury.

As the family gradually healed during the weeks and months following, they had to navigate new ways of living and interacting with each other.

Sarah captures the essence of hope as she recounts how she moved past the “whys” and “what-ifs” and learned to trust and rely on God, even through unexplainable losses.

With the backdrop that God has a hand in writing each of our life stories, through sharing hers Sarah inspires us to explore our own journey of trust in an ever faithful and loving God.

I highly recommend this well-written and inspiring book to anyone who needs help negotiating through tough times and finding God’s place in them.

Find more about Penned Without Ink here.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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December closed out with our ministry’s annual board meeting. As a group, we rejoiced at all that was accomplished in the past year, and brainstormed plans and goals for the year ahead.

I enjoy the synergy of these meetings. The give and take of everyone sharing ideas leads to a combined result greater than the sum of what we would each individually bring to the table.

The word synergy comes from the Greek sunergeo, meaning “to work together.”

The apostle Paul used sunergeo—translated “works” or “working together,”—in a commonly quoted verse of Scripture:

“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) 

In the context of suffering, Paul wanted the church to know that although God didn’t cause their suffering, He would in all things—the seemingly good and bad—be working to bring to pass His desired plan for their ultimate good.

Is this good referring to health, wealth, success, happiness? The temporal blessings of this life?

Or is it perhaps, something greater?

The next verse sheds further light:

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29) 

In every situation of life, our Heavenly Father wants us to know Christ intimately—to share in His sufferings as well as His glory that we may be made like Him.

God wants us to draw near to Jesus—the one who understands all our heartache and loss, our joys and triumphs—trusting that He is working in all our circumstances for our spiritual good, and His glory.

Let’s live today in His presence . . .

He is conforming us to the image of His Son.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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When circumstances threaten to swallow us up with despair, will we be pulled under, or rise above?

The answer lies largely in how we’ve been training.

It’s the training in peacetime that prepares a soldier for when the battle rages. Does he stand in the front lines of combat without knowing how to use his weapons?

Of course not!

Why should we expect to be strong and prepared spiritually, if we haven’t been devoting time to “training”?

Ephesians 6:12 gives us the crucial reminder that the “fight” we’re in is not person against person, but spiritual. Life is a spiritual reality, and we’re in a spiritual war against real enemies of the spirit realm.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” 

The verses preceding this show how we’re to follow Christ—by being strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. It goes on to say we’re to “put on” the armor of God to be victors in this life, and to show Christ to the world.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-11,13-17)

Applying God’s armor ensures success in the spiritual battle of this life. 

These are pieces of armor we’re told to “put on”:

Belt of TRUTH

Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

Shoes of PEACE

Shield of FAITH

Helmet of SALVATION

Sword of the SPIRIT

The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very life of Christ Himself!

As Jesus Christ is all of the armor, He is also each individual part:

Jesus Christ is the truth

Jesus Christ is our righteousness

Jesus Christ is our peace

Jesus Christ is our faith

Jesus Christ is our salvation

Jesus Christ is the word of God

Just as putting on new clothes each morning is habit, putting on Jesus Christ and connecting with Him throughout each day becomes the bedrock of our lives—preparing us to be ready when battles come.

Though we may face struggles, living with the armor of God—the presence of Christ—strengthens us and brings victory in the midst of our trials.

It also allows us to present Christ to the world.

When Roman knights prepared for battle and donned full suits of armor, it was nearly impossible to see who they really were. Their knightship became their new persona.

As Christians living with the armor of God, we should so present Christ to the world that our own selves are hidden from view!

Putting on the armor of God each morning, and staying in His presence throughout our days, is the best training we can practice, not only to be spiritually prepared for life’s battles but also assuring us of victory!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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Perhaps you’ve seen the stickers, the magnets, the greeting cards: Life is good. 

Ever notice how easy it is to coast along—and even forget God—when things are going well . . .

. . . when life is good ?

Jesus came that we might have a more abundant life, yet He also warns us that in this world there will be trials. Unfortunately, it’s often when something big rocks our world—the unexpected crisis, the cancer diagnosis—that many people quickly cry out to God for help.

Yet in the same verse, Jesus also tells us that in Him we can have peace and be overcomers:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

When circumstances threaten to swallow us up with despair, will we be pulled under, or rise above?

The answer lies largely in how we’ve been training.

“A strong military is created one way. With the best training.” [1]

Does a soldier stand in the front lines of combat without knowledge of how to use his weapons?

It’s the training in peacetime that prepares the warrior for when the battle rages.

Ephesians 6 gives us the crucial reminder that the fight we’re in is not person against person, but spiritual. Life is a spiritual reality, and we’re in a spiritual battle against real enemies of the spirit realm. As warriors, we’re to prepare ourselves daily by putting on the armor of God.

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) 

Likewise, a life of strength, peace, and faith is created through the daily training we avail ourselves to, especially in peacetime, when no conflict rages.

Here are 5 “boot camp” basic tips to staying strong and becoming overcomers in the spiritual fight of life:

1. Read the Bible. Just as daily physical food is necessary to sustain life in our bodies, our spiritual food is equally as important. Are you feeding on the Word of God every day?

2. Pray. Through prayer we express our devotion and love to our Heavenly Father. We pour out our thoughts, desires, feelings, concerns, burdens, and disappointments—as well as our gratitude and praise. Any worthwhile relationship requires communication. Prayer opens the door to His blessings.

3. Share Christ. Are you sharing the good news of Christ with others? The best way to help people is by pointing them toward their own relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Speaking the truth in love allows blessings to flow freely—to others and back to ourselves.

4. Give financially. A tried and true tenet of Scripture is to sow financially into fertile ground of our choosing; (usually a place that is teaching and helping others grow in Christ.) As we give, we receive—a principle that works in all of life, including our finances.

5. Fellowship with others. From the Greek, the word fellowship means, full sharing. Availing ourselves to Christian fellowship is an important part of our spiritual growth and well-being. No one is meant to go it alone. We are a family of believers in Christ, and we’re to encourage and support one another.

Regularly carrying out these five faith basics assures us of a strong “training in peacetime”—so we may be found in His presence when the battles come.

[1] See http://todaysmilitary.com/training

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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