Faith vs. Irresponsibility

“Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11 NIV)

George Müller founded several orphanages in England during the 1800s. He cared for thousands of kids without asking for donations or going into debt.

Here is one famous story about his faith in God:

One morning, there was no food for the orphans. Müller had the kids sit down at the table and wait while he prayed. Within a few minutes, a baker dropped off enough bread for all the kids. Then, a milkman said his cart had broken in front of the orphanage and donated all the milk that he had so it wouldn’t spoil. God provided what the orphans needed at the very last minute.

If Müller were in charge of a modern day orphanage, this ministry would most likely be shut down. Waiting until the last minute to feed kids by relying on God to provide would be considered irrational and irresponsible.

What is the difference between completely trusting God and irresponsibility? Especially when it involves the welfare of others?

I have been around people who spend their time, money, and energy on frivolities but use the language of faith to excuse their recklessness. Müller didn’t do that. He was consistently careful and faithful.

George Müller, I am NOT.

I’m naturally a planner. I don’t like waiting until the last minute for anything. I get nervous when I don’t know what’s going to happen, so I create back-up plans for my back-up plans. In addition, I struggle with trust issues and a fear of abandonment.

Yet, God is teaching me to rely on Him more and more. It’s hard to explain this change. Somehow the Holy Spirit has shown me that I am not in control. Even though I crave self-sufficiency, or at least the illusion of independence, that way seems to have been blocked. I am tempted to go around the blockade and make things happen in my own power. But a life apart from Jesus is futile.

I have realized that faith is not about quoting scripture, attending church, or appearing religious. It is about the daily choices I make when no one else is paying attention.

Do you live in complete dependence on God?

Are you willing to obey God, even when it makes no sense, even when you may lose everything?

Are you using faith as a prop to further your own ambitions?

Or

Are you willing to lay down your life to love and serve God?