George Mueller presented a plan for an orphanage at a public meeting in Bristol on December 9, 1835. Several contributions came in. He rented Number 6 Wilson Street, and on April 11, 1836 the doors of the orphanage opened. 26 children were immediately taken in. A second house soon opened, then a third.

Mueller believed in praying earnestly and trusting the Lord to provide. And the Lord did provide in astonishing ways. Over the course of his 93 years, Mueller housed more than 10,000 orphans, prayed in millions of dollars, traveled to scores of countries preaching the Gospel, and recorded 50,000 answers to prayer.

One man wrote that expectation is the opening of the soul. Our goal before the Lord ought to be to make our thoughts and hopes before God as large and as comprehensive as they can be. We must not forget that the grace of God is always flowing and overflowing. God’s grace did not dry up in the days of George Mueller. It is important that we learn to receive His good gifts, demonstrate His righteousness, and glorify Him.

Expectation is the opening of the soul. The LORD God promises Israel, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Psalm 81.10). The verse contains both a call and commitment from God. He calls His people to open their mouths wide. If they do this, He will fill them. Often, we do not have because we do not ask.

Persevere in prayer. God hears you. He answers prayer. He does so for your good and for His glory. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5.14). Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15.7). Ask in faith and according to your faith it shall be done for you. Remember that the LORD has said, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”