PRAYER + OIL + FAITH = HEALED

Mrs. Brown flew from California to visit her daughter Sylvia and grandson Gene.  Sylvia invited her to attend a church service pastored by my husband.  We invited her family over for my freshly baked Blackberry cobbler after the service.  Sylvia could not stay long, and left early with part of her family.  I encouraged Mrs. Brown to remain and chat. Her grandson Gene kindly volunteered to take her home. 

My mother's bible given to her November, 1981 by my father.

Mrs. Brown shared with us about the condition of her eyes.  Several years back the blood vessels had burst behind her eyes, which required her to endure seven laser beam treatments. The surgeries left her one eye blind, and in less than nine months the other eye as well.  Her son had taken her to a specialist in the hope of finding a solution.  The doctor informed her due to the amount of damage he was unable to help.  He counseled her to try and accept she would remain blind. 

The realization of the situation hit her hard.  Mrs. Brown could no longer read her bible, and getting to church was now dependent on others.  After years of faithful service, she felt she had no choice but to give up her church work.  Events also worsened in her family.  Her daughter-in-law had a cerebral hemorrhage, and was required to stay in the hospital for several weeks to recover. She could not even fill in and assist with the care and feeding of her new grandchild. They needed her help, but what could she do?  She felt so helpless and broke down in tears.  In the midst of her despair, she did not give up praying.

We talked with Mrs. Brown about faith and the belief God still heals people.  I asked her, "Do you believe God can heal you?" She responded with a emphatic "Yes"!  I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit and spoke, "I believe God can heal you right now".  My husband went and got the anointing oil and placed it on her forehead. We laid our hands upon her and prayed for the hand of God to touch her.  Instantly the power of the Lord filled the room.  Overcome with emotion, Mrs. Brown opened her eyes and cried out, "I can see!", "I can see the light!", "I can see the piano!", "I can see my grandson and both of you!",  "PRAISE GOD I CAN SEE!"  We shouted and gave glory to God, laughing and crying all at the same time. 

Mrs. Brown flew back to California with her sight restored.  God will respond when we believe and put faith into action.  Why have faith, why pray?  Because God's Word tells me to.

Betty Sparks


14 Is anyone of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  James Chapter 5:14-15



My Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray this uplifting story written by my mother over thirty years ago will bring hope where someone's hope is gone.  May the power of our mighty God meet you at your point of need.  Our Lord's promises are still being fulfilled today. Countless lives have been touched in miraculous ways.  God listens and answers prayers, and may you find comfort in his word.  Amen.