Dallas Theological Seminary opened its doors in 1924. Shortly thereafter it almost had to close them, for good! The school was out of funds and the creditors were ready to foreclose on the land.

The very day that DTS was scheduled to be foreclosed on the founding fathers of the school gathered for a time of prayer. They, “humbled themselves” and pleaded with God to forestall the foreclosure. One of the men who was present that day, Dr. Harry Ironside, prayed a bold prayer. He made a “big-ask” of God. He said, “Lord, we know that you own the cattle on a thousand hills…could you sell just a few and give us the money?” Talk about taking God literally and praying according to His Word!

While the men were praying, a tall Texas rancher walked into the receptionist’s office. He said,

“Howdy ma’am. I was just over in Fort Worth at a cattle auction. I was able to sell two train-carloads of cattle at the event. I can’t really explain it, but I felt an urgent prompting to come here and donate the proceeds to the school. I have no idea whether you even need the money. But this is what God told me to do with it.”

The secretary went to the door of the office where the men were praying. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer answered the door, received the check from the secretary, turned to the group of men and said, “Harry, God sold the cattle!”

Dallas Seminary still stands today as one of the leading institutions that are dedicated to producing servants of the Gospel of Christ. You may recognize a few of the more notable graduates of the school: Charles Swindoll, John Walvoord, Charles Ryrie, David Jeremiah, Andy Stanley, Tony Evans, just to name a few.

Obviously, God was glorified by the right request being uttered from the right heart. The men in the room that day had been given a vision by God to establish something great that He could use for His purposes. The men understood that no matter how dire the circumstances or how late the hour of the need God is able and willing to do far above all that we can ask or comprehend.

That you are reading this devotional indicates that you are a person who prays. You don’t need me to tell you that our world needs a “big ask” of God. We need the healing and restoration that only He can provide. Watching just a few minutes of news today, one can be easily defeated by the dire circumstances of the world we live in. It can feel overwhelming and impossible at times.

But, we pray to the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills don’t we? He would like nothing more than to sell a couple of carloads and deliver the proceeds in a timely fashion to provide the miracle that we so desperately need.

As you pray today, pray in the spirit of Dr. Ironside, “Lord, could you give us a miracle that puts your power and your glory on display?” God is a big God who isn’t insulted or angered when we ask him for a big request. As long as it is in keeping with His will and His character a thousand hills are the limit, AMEN?

DESIGN CREDITS

📸 Credit :: Matt Rhodes
🎨 Credit :: Matt Rhodes
Creative Associate Director