When our children were little, we regularly read through Christian biographies on Lord’s Day afternoons. About ten years ago, we returned to an old favorite, a biography of George Müller sharing his burden for people to see God answer prayer.

At the time, we were living in a rented home with three bedrooms. Our five children were in one bedroom, my husband and I in another, and there was a small study. It was getting tight as the children grew. We prayed that God would provide a bigger home for us if that was His will. We could not afford to pay higher rent and save to buy a home at the same time, so we asked God to supply what we needed. One day, out of the blue, we received an email from a Christian friend who offered to buy a house where we could live for a few years. God does not always see fit to answer in this way, but this time He did. God is amazing! We prayed that God would lead us to just the right neighbors and house. He did, and our family rejoiced to see Him provide.

When our friends, who owned the house, found they needed to sell it, we prayed about buying a local house and again looked to the Lord to provide. After viewing several houses, we saw one that seemed like a good fit for our family, but it was out of our price range. We continued viewing houses and prayed that God would save the house He wanted us to have. He did. The house that seemed to be a good fit needed a LOT of work, and no one else even made an offer on it. The buyer ended up taking a lower offer, thus enabling us to afford the urgent, outside-our-DIY-ability work to be done. God heard and answered so many prayers! We are already seeing the Lord open opportunities with our new neighbors here.

As our children have grown and we have entered a new season as a family, God has graciously begun burdening me with the need to pray and to look for more opportunities to reach out to those around us. The Lord used some books about hospitality and ministering from the home to encourage me to start where we live. Jesus ministered to people in homes and during meals.

The COVID pandemic provided an opportunity to ask if any of our neighbors needed help or wanted to join a group chat. About half the street joined the chat group, and some neighbors appreciated our help with their shopping during the lockdowns. Later, a neighbor asked if I would help organize a neighborhood celebration commemorating a national event in our country. We began the meal with prayer and hosted 30 neighbors as well as the town mayor. Most of the street now knew who we were, where we lived, and that we were normal people. God is so gracious!

About seven of our neighbors also attended our church’s Christmas outreaches. One also came to a baptism service. It was the first immersion baptism she had ever attended, and she was quite moved. Please pray for all our dear neighbors to be saved.

As we pray for opportunities, it is amazing how God opens doors for evangelism. A little something comes up, and we wonder if we should have a look. We take a step forward and try the door, and it gives, so we step a little further in. That is a bit like an opportunity that came up at the school. We heard about openings on the school board for the high school our older children attended, and we started praying. Enough people expressed interest that the appointment went to a vote. We prayed that it would happen if it was the Lord’s will, and God graciously placed me in that position. Reflecting on how God provided a home for our family and opportunities with neighbors and in the school, we are encouraged to keep praying—especially for growth in our lives and for souls to be won and discipled for His glory!

What are you burdened about? Pray for God’s will to be done and for Him to work. Keep your eyes on the Lord. May you be encouraged by these verses. God is almighty!

“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, 

And His kingdom is from generation to generation.

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;

He does according to His will in the army of heaven

And among the inhabitants of the earth.

No one can restrain His hand

Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” 

Daniel 4:34–35 (NKJV¹)