How to Pray for Healing and Miracles: The Story That Changed a Nation
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Building on yesterday's meditation, we recall how the Argentine revival started with groups of people praying and crying out to the Lord. Dr. Edward Miller, in his book, The Secrets of the Argentine Revival, observed many of these events. Miller notes:
Trying to get the press and radio to promote evangelism was considered unreasonable. Under President Peron's rules, all religious activities were strictly monitored and censored. All meeting plans had to be reported to the police sixty days in advance. Special permission was required for any meeting, and approval for large gatherings was very difficult to obtain. Tommy Hicks’ desire for a large stadium was considered impossible; furthermore, it had never been done before. The committee’s attitude suggested that any miraculous government change in the rules was not even remotely likely. Still, God sent Tommy Hicks to Argentina and told him to speak to the president.
Overcoming Doubt with Bold Faith
The committee cautioned Tommy Hicks that top American officials had been insulted and declined interviews, raising doubts about how an obscure, unacknowledged preacher from the U.S. could possibly meet President Peron. However, Tommy Hicks trusted in his faith and prayed in his hotel room. He was confident that God had sent him and that God's power surpassed any dictator.
The next day, Tommy, accompanied by an interpreter, approached the Casa Rosada, also called the Pink House, where the government offices were situated. As they reached the entrance, an armed guard halted them, aiming a machine gun at Tommy's chest, and demanded, "Who are you? What do you want?” Pastor Hicks carefully conveyed his intention: to hold a salvation–healing crusade. With each explanation from Tommy, the guard’s interest grew.
Eventually, the guard asked, "Do you mean to say that God can heal?" "Yes, He can, and He will," Tommy affirmed. The guard then asked, "Well, can He heal me?" "Yes, He can. What is your problem?" Tommy replied. "I have hepatitis, and my liver is causing intense pain," the guard explained. "Give me your hand," the evangelist said, praying the prayer of faith. Immediately, God's power flowed through the guard, and his pain and sickness vanished.
The Power of the Prayer of Faith
Feeling God’s power, the guard was utterly astonished. He instantly felt his pain lift. In amazement, he said, "Why, it's all gone; all the pain is gone!" "Of course it's gone," replied Tommy, "God has healed you." The guard responded, "Come back tomorrow, and I will get you in to see the president."
The next day, the guard cordially greeted Tommy and his interpreter and escorted them to President Peron’s door. The president greeted them, asked why they had come, and invited them to be seated. Pastor Hicks carefully explained the plans for the citywide salvation and healing crusade to Peron and requested full rights for evangelicals to meet in stadiums and sporting arenas. He then explained the way of salvation and healing to the president.
At the time, President Peron was suffering from a severe case of psoriasis, a skin disease that none of the doctors had been able to cure. It had worsened steadily, even leading Peron to refuse to have his photograph taken. Listening in surprise to Pastor Hicks, Peron asked, "Do you believe that Jesus Christ heals today the same as He did when He was here on Earth?" Tommy replied, "Of course I do. Here, give me your hand."
Once again, Pastor Hicks prayed the prayer of faith for President Peron, and as God's power flowed into him, he staggered back from the impact. Before the eyes of the onlookers, Peron's skin became smooth and soft, and he was instantly made whole and complete. Amazed, he stepped back and exclaimed, "Caramba, Dios mio, estoy curado!" (Good heavens, my God, I am cured!). At this, President Peron sat down and signed the declaration of complete freedom for the evangelical church in Argentina. In a moment, God did what was impossible for man to do.
Expecting God to Do the Impossible Today
God can do the same today as He has done before and throughout church history. It’s time to cry out to Him for His hand of deliverance and salvation for the lost. — Keith Thomas
How to Apply This to Your Life
Reading about history is exciting, but God wants you to experience His power today. Here is how you can apply Tommy Hicks' breakthrough to your own life:
Identify Your "Impossibility": Tommy faced an armed guard and a closed door. What door in your life seems firmly shut? Name it and remember that God's authority is higher than any earthly barrier.
Offer What You Have: Tommy didn't have political influence; he just offered his hand and his faith. Stop waiting for perfect circumstances. Use the faith you have right now.
Pray the Simple Prayer of Faith: Notice that Tommy didn’t pray a long, complicated prayer. He simply believed that Jesus heals today just as He did long ago. When you pray for your problems or for others, speak with bold authority, trusting that God's power flows through your obedience.
Continue Your Spiritual Journey…
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Read the full study online: Revival Changes Nations.
Series: This excerpt is taken from the series called On Fire With the Holy Spirit.