“For EVERYONE BORN of God is VICTORIOUS and OVERCOMES the world; and this is THE VICTORY that has conquered and overcome the world—our [CONTINUING, PERSISTENT] FAITH [in Jesus the Son of God].” – 1 John 5:4 Amplified Bible.
Dr. Oral Roberts: A Living Testimony of Persistent Faith
Dr. Oral Roberts, after lying bedridden for 163 days due to tuberculosis, was miraculously healed during a tent revival in Ada, Oklahoma, in July 1935. His healing was a divine miracle—an event that could not be explained by natural or scientific laws. This life-changing experience ignited in him a deep hunger to bring God’s healing power to the world, which came to fruition 12 years later, giving birth to a worldwide healing ministry that changed countless lives.
The Power of Faith in a Place Full of Unbelief
In one of his crusades in Goldsboro, a tobacco city in eastern North Carolina, Dr. Oral Roberts faced a crowd full of skepticism. People sat with their arms crossed and skeptical expressions, waiting for a miracle to “show them.” But Dr. Roberts didn’t give up. He persisted in his faith, knowing that God’s power was not hindered by doubt. On the fifth night of the 16-day crusade, the miraculous breakthrough came.
A Miracle in Goldsboro: Douglass Sutton’s Healing
A mother and her twelve-year-old son, Douglass Sutton, who wore an extended leg brace and used crutches, approached Dr. Roberts for prayer. As soon as Oral touched Douglass, God’s power moved through him. Douglass’ mother and the boy responded with unwavering faith, and within moments, Douglass was running—completely healed!
This event transformed the entire atmosphere in that big tent meeting. People were filled with awe and began praising God for His miraculous healing. Over the following nights, more people came forward for salvation and healing, and the local media spread the news of God’s power moving in Goldsboro. By the final service, over 25,000 people had gathered to witness God’s miraculous work.
Persistent Faith Brings Down the Walls of Jericho
Hebrews 11:30 (Amplified Bible) says, “By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” The walls didn’t fall on the first, second, or sixth day—they fell after the seventh day, after being encircled thirteen times (six times for six days and seven times on the seventh day). Just like the Israelites, persistent faith requires patience. Dr. Oral Roberts waited patiently for God’s timing, and on the fifth night of the crusade, his faith unlocked a powerful miracle.
The Life-Changing Power of Persistent Faith
What if Dr. Oral Roberts had given up the day before the miracle? The lives touched that night, the healings that took place, and the salvation of souls would have been denied. Persistent faith carried the day and unlocked the miraculous.
Your Jericho Wall Will Fall Down When You Embrace Persistent Faith
Canadian author and Coach, Robin Sharma said, “Patience is the virtue that allows us to climb higher while others give up.” Whatever represents the walls of Jericho in your life, know that they will come down if you, too, choose to embrace persistent faith. God shows no favoritism; in every nation, He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right [Acts 10:34-35, NLT].
American cable-TV pioneer, social entrepreneur, author, and venture philanthropist, Bob Buford said, “There will always be reasons to stay where you are. It is faith that calls you to move on.” Don`t subscribe to popular thinking which loves the status quo, resists change, and mocks the miraculous. Embrace persistent faith rooted in God`s Word and unlock the miraculous ordained for you from the foundation of the world! [To be concluded next week].
