But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4
“4 February: This evening I called on the owner of the land on Ashley Down, about which I had heard on 2 February, but he was not at home. As I had been informed that I should find him at his house of business, I went there, but did not find him there either, as he had just before left. I might have called again at his residence, at a later hour having been informed by one of the servants that he would be sure to be at home about eight o’clock; but I did not do so judging that there was the hand of God in my not finding him at either place: and I judged it best therefore not to force the matter, but to ‘let patience have her perfect work.’
5 February: Saw this morning the owner of the land. He told me that he awoke at three o’clock this morning and could not sleep again till five. While he was thus lying awake, his minds all the time occupied about the piece of land, respecting which inquiry had been made of him for the building of an Orphan-House, at my request; and he determined that if I should apply for it, he would not only let me have it, but for £120 per acre, instead of £200; the price which he had previously asked for it. How good is the Lord! The agreement was made this morning, and I purchased the field of nearly seven acres, at £120 per acre. Observe the hand of God at home last evening! The Lord meant to speak to His servant first about this matter, during a sleepless night, and to lead him fully to decide, before I had seen him.”
George Mueller in Answers to Prayer by George Mueller (Nashville: B&H, 2017) 42-43.
Two days ago I had my monthly coffee with a mentor and friend, Rich Haynie. He stands with me in prayer as CEO of Global Trust Partners like Abiathar the priest stood by David in the Old Testament. He asked me how I was doing. I shared that for some needs for GTP I was having to wait patiently on the Lord.
He smiled widely as God had led to read this story to me. He wanted me to know that I should “let patience have her perfect work” and reminded me to let my requests be made known unto God so that the peace that passes all understanding would guard and keep me in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
This filled my soul with joy. How good it is to have friends who pray for us and remind us to trust God with our needs. This inspired me, since GTP is just getting going, to journal answers to prayer. That’s my plan. So that God’s glory might be made known as He supplies answers to prayer. just like Mueller and the Orphan-House.
Near the end of our time, he shared this prayer with me from the book (40). He prayed it for me and I share it now praying it for all readers of this meditation. May the Holy Spirit give us eyes to “observe the hand of God” and rest in the fact that we are kept in His faithful hands.
Father, reveal to me an area in which my faith might be tried today. A place You are asking me to remove my hands, my control, and my mind, and to trust You with the strategy oof my life and portion. That’s a hard thing to let go of, and I know You know this, as You sent Your Son to be ridiculed, mocked, and crucified by men who misunderstood, were blind, and were disobedient to You. I know that letting go of my need to control my life means it will appear to be in the hands of those who will not be faithful with it, But, Father, show me how I am kept in Your hands. Show me how You are a “very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Give me eyes to see that You are with me and in control, and give me a worshipping heart in response to Your care — even if I falter along the way. In the name of your Son. Amen.