Believing Prayer
George Mueller was 31 years old when he began the work he is best remembered for, the housing and care of more than 10,000 orphans. Surprisingly, he didn’t begin his international speaking ministry until he was 72 years old.
After ministering throughout Europe George set off for North America. The ship was off the coast of Canada when a thick fog set in, forcing it to slow to a crawl for fear of being wrecked on the rocky shoreline. It was soon well behind schedule.
George explained to the captain his concern he would miss his first speaking engagement. The captain said nothing could be done. “In that case,” said George matter-of-factly, “if you cannot find a way to get me there on time, I’ll have to ask God to do it. Come down to my cabin with me, and we will pray together.”
The captain was too surprised to speak. He meekly followed George Mueller. Once in the cabin, George fell to his knees and began praying “Dear God,” he began, “I come to you now to ask you to do the impossible. You know that I need to be in Quebec by Saturday and that the fog has hemmed us in. Please lift the fog so that the ship can go forward and I will be on time. Amen.”
George opened his eyes and turned to look at the captain. “Dear God,” began the captain in a shaky voice. George placed his hand on the captain’s shoulder. “There’s no need for you to pray. You don’t believe God will answer prayer and I believe He already has.” The captain was very relieved.
“Go and open the door,” instructed George. “I have known my Lord for fifty-two years and in all that time I cannot recall a single instance where he has not answered my prayers. I can assure you, the fog has lifted.”
The captain obeyed. The fog was gone, completely gone.
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