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In the 1800s, George Müller cared for 10,000 orphans in England without ever asking anyone for a dime! He searched the Scriptures for days to find an appropriate promise from God. Then, with his Bible open before him and his finger on the promise, he would plead with God to honor that promise. In that way, he received what he asked. In praying this way, Müller followed the practice of Moses. God had said He would destroy the rebellious people of ancient Israel. They had violated their covenant with God 10 times. That included the time they decided to go back to Egypt rather than trust God to help them enter the Promised Land. God said He would destroy them and make Moses into a nation greater and stronger than they. But Moses’ love for his people and God’s reputation caused him to reject God’s offer. He pleaded that God would forgive the people. In his appeal, he said, “Lord, if you destroy these people, surrounding nations would mock you for your inability to take them into the Promised Land.” Moses then appealed to God based on God’s character—His justice, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Moses said, “In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people.” So when we pray to God, like Moses and Müller, we should base our requests upon what God has promised in His word, not just on our selfish desires.
