What if the first step in discovering God’s will is not asking for direction, but surrendering the answer?
George Müller cared for thousands of orphans in Bristol, England, and became known around the world for his extraordinary life of prayer and dependence on God.
Naturally, people wanted to know his secret.
How did he discern the will of God? How did he make major decisions with such confidence?
“I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter.”
— George Müller
Before Müller asked, “God, what do You want me to do?” he first dealt with another question:
“Am I willing to hear an answer I do not want?”
The Day He Died
Later in life, Müller described a defining spiritual moment:
“There was a day when I died—utterly died.”
— George Müller
He meant that he died to his own opinions, preferences, reputation, and the approval or criticism of others.
And that death did not end his usefulness.
It released it.
The less tightly Müller held his own plans, the more freely God could direct his life.
When We Ask for Guidance
Many of us pray:
“Lord, show me Your will.”
But underneath that prayer may be another sentence:
“…as long as Your will looks something like mine.”
We may ask God for direction while still holding tightly to the outcome we want.
True surrender says:
“Lord, I have a preference, but You have permission.”
George Müller did not surrender his will in order to get his way.
He surrendered so he could hear.