"Expect a Miracle" - Part 6

Davies (1992, p 217) states that there are a number of revival principles that constantly recur including persistent prayer; powerful preaching and testimony; and a deep awareness of the presence and holiness of God leading to a strong sense of conviction of sin and repentance. Among the more variable factors include miracles of healing and the exercise of spiritual gifts. The revival ministry of Oral Roberts includes these, especially in the areas of powerful preaching and testimony, and miracles of healing. Davies (p 235) also notes that when miracles appear to be taking place in connection with a work of God in revival it is worth asking a number of questions:
1. Do they contribute to the work of the Gospel?
2. Do they distract from the spiritual work?
3. Is Christ glorified as a result?
4. What is the spiritual character of those manifesting these gifts and powers?
The overwhelming evidence would suggest a confident “yes” to all four questions.

Dr L.D. Thomas Jnr (in Roberts, 1975, p 12) believes that “Oral Roberts is the one man most responsible for a genuine spiritual revival in our time. During the terrible 60's - one of the most tragic declines ever in both the church and the moral fibre of America- here was a man who refused to join the pessimists. Wherever he could he stood up and shouted as loud as he could, 'God is alive!' ... When I entered the ministry in 1959 there were barely a half dozen good books on the Holy Spirit. Now throughout the church, the work of the Holy Spirit is the most talked about and the most exciting thing that has happening in the church and in people's lives today. And the man most responsible for this, in my opinion, is Oral Roberts.... I thank God that Oral has allowed God to use him as an instrument for a spiritual revival in our time that is giving new life to the church and new life to our nation." The comments of Dr Thomas are indicative of the powerful effect that Oral Roberts and his ministry have had. A fuller transcript has been included in Appendix A because of its illustrative comprehensiveness.

Not all people consider the healing and evangelistic ministry of Oral Roberts favourably. Roberts (1985, p 386) states that he has never claimed to be perfect. Criticism is a fact of life and leaders must face it according to the Word of God: “I live with both failure and successes. That is one way that I believe God builds character in me...I must not only look on my failures but I must look to the successes of what God did in healing so many people through me as His instrument.” He was always concerned to do the right thing and to live a life of integrity. His wife, Evelyn notes that Oral once said after failing in an area; “I can’t afford to make mistakes like other people do. I am God’s instrument to deliver the people. This will hinder my work for God. I’ve got to make it right” (Roberts, 1956, p 41). She also notes that “I have seen Oral tested and tried by almost every circumstance of life that could possibly come to him. In such times he goes to the Bible for strength (p 43).

For fifty years the ministry has continued through success and scepticism, and without scandal. Lee Braxton (in Roberts, 1952, p 10) summarises the ministry succinctly : “I am unshaken in my faith in God and that He has raised up Oral Roberts to reach our generation with the message of Bible Deliverance.”