By Ralph W. Harris
Because the Assemblies of God was founded on the premise that all
that occurred in the first-century church is available to 20th-century
believers, faith for healing and miracles was exercised and rewarded.
Preachers and teachers often referred to healing along with other
basic doctrines. Evangelists often made healing and other miracles
the main thrust of their ministry. Churches sprang into existence
because of such a ministry.
I was healed by the power of God of a brain tumor — more than
30 years ago. As a pastor, when a neighbor’s eye had been pierced
by a scissor point, I prayed for her over the phone and she was
instantly healed.
Healings and miracles still occur. My recent book, Acts Today,
records many marvelous acts of God. However, they seem scarcer than
in the past, except when a church has a divine visitation.
Why? Not because God stopped responding to earnest prayer. Not
because the healing ministry has ceased. Not because it is no longer
necessary. Following are some possible reasons:
1. Higher living standards. When people could not afford a doctor,
a hospital or medicines, they had to trust God.
2. Improved health through better diets and vitamin-packed supplements.
3. Medical advances, such as transplants.
4. Increased medical insurance for doctor visits and prescriptions.
Though there is prayer for the sick in churches and some healings,
there is less emphasis on the subject. What can be done?
Continue to stress these doctrines in our Bible colleges and Sunday
school curriculum.
Encourage those who need a miracle to call out to the Lord first
— before consulting a physician.
Ralph W. Harris was editor in the Sunday School
Curriculum and Literature Department at the Assemblies of God Headquarters
and later editor for the Complete Biblical Library. He lives
in Springfield, Mo.
