It does not take enormous faith, but the child-like, seed-like faith of a simple believer to move mountains. I know, because I have commanded ‘mountains’ and seen them move many times! I once listened to criticism and as a result I became so discouraged, I stopped organising big crusades and praying for the sick. Because of that, for some years I saw no-one healed. Even today, after a meeting where I see the sick healed, I will often go home and grieve more over ones I didn’t see healed (or who didn’t repent), than rejoice over the miracles I did see. It only drives me once more to fast and pray for more Holy Spirit power, to be more like Jesus in my ministry. Jesus preached the Gospel – so I do; Jesus healed the sick – so I do.
Smith Wigglesworth has gone down in history as a man of faith. Why? Because of the healing miracles. We need more like him in the church today! In the Bible Jesus said simply, ‘Preach the Gospel, heal the sick.’ In faith I believe it – I do it – I see it.
Surprisingly in the crusades in Russia I see many people healed who have absolutely no faith but who come in desperate need. God sees their desperation!
Q. Are you opposed to traditional medicine?
A. No, I’m not, there are wonderful Christian doctors. If I have a toothache, I go to the dentist; and yes I wear spectacles for my eyes, but I have no eye disease and gradually God has restored my sight – I don’t have bi-focal lenses and the lenses are so weak, the optician says that I can do without altogether. If I have a health problem, yes I visit the doctor. If he diagnoses a problem then I know what to pray for specifically.
Divine Healing, Faith, and Medicine: A Modern Ministry Perspective
The relationship between faith, miracles, and traditional medicine is often misunderstood. Drawing from decades of crusade ministry and the historical legacy of evangelists like Smith Wigglesworth, this guide explores how simple faith moves mountains, why miracles happen in unexpected places, and how modern faith healing coexists with medical science.
How Simple Faith Moves Spiritual Mountains
It does not require enormous or complex theological faith to see miracles; rather, it takes the child-like, seed-like faith of a simple believer to move mountains.
In ministry, listening to critics and cynics can cause discouragement, leading leaders to stop organizing crusades or praying for the sick. Spiritual stagnation often follows. However, looking to the ultimate model of ministry provides a clear mandate: Jesus preached the Gospel, so we must; Jesus healed the sick, so we must.
The Burden of Ministry: Even after meetings where miracles occur, ministers often grieve over those who were not healed or did not repent, rather than rejoicing over the miracles they did see. This heartbreak should drive believers back to fasting, prayer, and a pursuit of Holy Spirit power to emulate Jesus more closely.
The Legacy of Smith Wigglesworth and Signs Following
Smith Wigglesworth has gone down in history as a definitive "man of faith," largely remembered for the extraordinary healing miracles that followed his ministry. The modern Church urgently needs more leaders who operate in this dynamic.
The biblical mandate from Jesus is simple: “Preach the Gospel, heal the sick.” When walked out in pure faith, results follow.
Miracles of Desperation vs. Miracles of Faith
Surprisingly, large-scale crusades – such as those held across Russia – often witness miraculous healings among people who possess absolutely no initial faith. In these instances, God responds directly to human desperation. When people come with a desperate need, God sees their hearts and manifests His mercy, proving that divine healing is not always dependent on the recipient's theological understanding.
FAQ: Faith Healing and Traditional Medicine
Are faith healing ministries opposed to traditional medicine?
No, authentic faith healing ministries are not opposed to traditional medicine. Medical science and divine healing can work hand-in-hand. There are thousands of wonderful Christian doctors and medical professionals worldwide dedicated to helping others.
Using medical aids or visiting doctors does not contradict a lifestyle of faith. For example:
Dental Care: If you have a toothache, you should visit a dentist.
Optometry: Wearing eyeglasses or spectacles for vision correction is a practical reality, even while trusting God for gradual vision restoration.
Medical Diagnosis: If you encounter a health problem, visiting a doctor is highly beneficial. A professional medical diagnosis provides clarity, letting you know exactly what specific condition to pray against.