TOUCHED BY JESUS
06th May 2020
“A man or woman with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.” quote from Leonard Ravenhill.
When the Jews were trying to explain away the miraculous healing of a blind man, his parents told them to ask him, his response was, “I was blind but now I see.” The evidence was there in front of them - born blind, now seeing! (John 9:25) A witness is one who can give a first hand account of what they have seen or heard. You and I are called to witness to the presence and activity of God in our lives.
Years ago we had the privilege of knowing a man of God, Eddie Smith. He was gentle, full of the Holy Spirit and when he ministered he listened for words of knowledge in three areas - body, mind and spirit, believing that the Holy Spirit would show him where healing or release was needed.
We saw remarkable physical healings, prophetic words giving significant insight into difficult situations. One night we took our recently acquired German au-pair, who we knew was not a believer, to a small house meeting and wondered how Eddie would pray for her. After sharing the word he would always lay hands and pray with each person present. When he came to our dear friend Petra, he said, “Bless this young woman, open her eyes to see who You are and draw her to Yourself.” That night she became a believer and is still a strong follower of Jesus.
Eddie’s own testimony of the reality of Jesus is remarkable. He was very young when his wife died, six weeks after giving birth to their daughter. He was devastated by his loss and did not know what to do about the baby, confused, grief stricken and numb. At the graveside, he felt a hand on his shoulder, looking to see who had touched him, found no one, but could see an indentation in his new suit where he had felt the touch. At that moment he heard Jesus speak to him assuring him both of his presence and help, and peace flooded his whole being.
Later a work colleague asked what he was going to do about the baby, and then proceeded to tell him to let the grandmother bring her up. His argument was that having lost her own daughter she would be comforted by bring up his. So, Uncle Eddie lived nearby and watched his daughter as she grew up.
Later God called him into an itinerant ministry and that personal touch of Jesus never left him. He embodied compassion and grace, and I personally saw many healed and set free as he prayed.
Don’t be satisfied with hearing about others meeting Jesus. You need your story of His touch on your life. Our nation needs to hear authentic accounts of the risen Jesus. What have you got to say?
by Joyce Sibthorpe“A man or woman with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument
