Can GOD HEAL both MAN and BEAST?
An Excerpt from John Wesley's Diary
[John Wesley (1703-1791) founder of the Methodist Church, was a circuit preacher. Wesley traveled widely, generally on horseback, preaching two or three times each day. It is said that he rode 250,000 miles, gave away 30,000 pounds, and preached more than 40,000 sermons — preaching the Gospel as he understood it. He certainly needed his horse! He recorded this remarkable account in his diary. I believe it is an inspiring account on faith and healing that should be shared — regardless of individual doctrinal beliefs.]
March 17, 1746
"I took my leave of Newcastle...my horse was so exceedingly lame that I was afraid I must have lain by too. We could not discern what it was that was amiss; and yet he would scarce set his foot to the ground. By riding thus seven miles, I was thoroughly tired, and my head ached more than it had done for some months.
What I here aver [ old Anglo-French word meaning "confirm to be true"] is the naked fact: let every man account for it as he sees good.
I then thought, 'CANNOT GOD HEAL MAN OR BEAST , by any means, or without any?'
Immediately my weariness and headache ceased, and my horse's lameness in the same instant. Nor did he halt any more either that day or the next.
A very odd accident this also!" [In other words — he knew it was NOT an accident!]
END
Editor Comments
I recall a minister years ago becoming incredulous because a man had maintained that God had healed his cat. He just refused to believe it! Why would we assume God would not do this in answer to a believer's prayer? This is not to say that we ask God to apply the stripes of Jesus Christ to an animal, as we do when anointing a human who is sick (James 5:14-15). That would be absurd and disrespectful to Christ's sacrifice. But scripture makes it clear that we should never limit what God can do through His unsurpassing loving-kindess! We should never LIMIT the Eternal (Psalms 78:41). We are promised —
"And all things, WHATSOEVER ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." — Matthew 21:22
And we are further instructed — "Then touched He their eyes, saying, ACCORDING to your faith be it unto you." — Matthew 9:29
But also consider! If God so cares for the animal creation, how much more does He care for you? And could God's mercy not respond to heartfelt prayer for a creature that you love and value? —
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows"— Luke 12:6-7.
SILVER TREASURE ARCHIVE
We also have available for additional encouragement on prayer these resources —
INSPIRING SCRIPTURES ABOUT PRAYER!
BUT BY PRAYER AND FASTING
FASTING — A Bible Course Lesson
Video Sermon — A GOOD HABIT OF PRAYER
Video Sermon — LABOR OF PRAYER
Our good friends with the Church of God International offer this wonderful booklet —
HOW TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN YOUR PRAYER LIFE
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