“Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you did rely on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand—for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. . .”
II Chronicles 16:8-9a
When He has full reign, He will work in/through us in ways we’ve never seen before.
George Muller was once traveling to Quebec, Canada from England for a speaking engagement. But, one morning, off the coast of Newfoundland, they found themselves in a very thick fog and moving forward was virtually impossible.
Muller went to the captain on that Wednesday morning and said, “Sir, I have a speaking engagement on Saturday morning and must be there. I’ve not missed a single one in 57 years.”
The captain, weary from trying to keep the steam-powered ship from running aground or hitting something in the dense fog, replied with exasperation in his voice, “Sir, I’m helpless in this! Can’t you see how thick the fog is?!?”
Muller replied, “Sir, my eye is not on the thickness of the fog, but upon the One Who can lift it.” He then asked the captain if they could go to his chartroom and pray. The captain, a nominal Christian at best, reluctantly obliged and the two went there and knelt in prayer. Muller prayed, “O Lord, you know I delight to do Your will and believe You’ve led me to speak in Quebec on Saturday. So, thank You that You’ll lift the fog in five minutes.”
The captain, though kneeling with head bowed and eyes closed, thought such a prayer was the epitome of foolishness; however, he felt obligated to also pray. Just as he started, Muller tapped him on the shoulder and said, “That’s okay, Captain, there’s no need to pray. You don’t believe anyway—and, besides, you’ll find the fog has lifted,” which it had.
Was George Muller some super-spiritual type Pilgrim? Or, was he a “normal” Christian who “relied on the Lord to deliver him”. . .knowing that He would. . .because his “heart was perfect toward Him”?
We know the answer, don’t we?
If the Lord’s eyes “ran to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong (Heb. ‘chazaq’—‘to fasten upon, seize, fortify, conquer, etc.’) in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” in Asa’s day, can He not do the same today? What is He wanting to do in your life, your family, your church, etc., that seems impossible, but is easily achievable in His Strength?
“A perfect heart.” A heart that’s sold out to Him. A heart that’s full of Him.
That’s what He’s looking for today. May we say “Yes, Lord. I want that type of heart in my life. And, I want You to use me as a platform for Your power so others will be drawn to You and glorify You in all they say and do.” Amen and amen.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 8, 2009
