How Faith Comes !

HOW FAITH COMES : P. C Nelson, who was for many years a noted Baptist minister, said, "Healing is part and parcel of the Gospel." While pastoring a church in Detroit, Michigan, in 1921, Dr. Nelson was struck by an automobile. His left knee was severely injured. Blood poisoning developed, affecting his entire leg and threatening his life. His doctor warned that the leg might have to be amputated. Even if he survived the blood poisoning and the leg didn't have to be amputated, the doctor said that leg would be stiff the rest of his life. As Dr. Nelson lay immobile and in great pain, the Lord led him to read the entire Epistle of James. He realized he lacked faith for healing, but the story of Aeneas healing in (Acts 9:32--34) inspired faith in his heart. The threat of a major operation prompted Dr. Nelson to renew his consecration and promise to tell the world that the Lord would heal him. Then, desiring to obey (James 5:14--15), he arranged for four spirit filled friends who had been healed themselves to come to his home, anoint him with oil, and pray. You might ask, what did they pray ? As they prayed, the prayer of faith, he seemed to hear the words of (Acts 9:34), "Jesus Christ healeth thee. Arise !" While his friends waited downstairs. Dr. Nelson dressed with the help of his son. Suddenly he realized his knee was completely free from pain. He joyously ran up and down stairs several times, rejoicing in the Lord. He was totally healed and never suffered stiffness and that knee. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Dr. Nelson went to the word of God and got him some hope and develop his faith in the area of healing. Many years ago, a fine denominational minister had an outstanding evangelistic ministry. Various denominational churches as they call them would combine their efforts and sponsor him in large citywide meetings. He became sick, however, and by his own testimony within two years all his money was gone. A $10,000 bank account, which was quite a bit at that time, was gone. In order to pay medical bills he had to sell his home, his car, and most of his books. He had been everywhere, including the my Mayo Clinic, seeking medical help. However, he was none the better, doesn't that sound familiar, the woman with the issue of blood, spent all she had but grew worse. But he rather grew worse or. Finally he was forced to stay in a county hospital in California. The doctors there said he would die. He called a brother who lived in California and ask him to borrow some money for a train ticket to send him home to Texas to die. There 83-year-old mother lived in Collin County, Texas. And he wanted to see her before he died. His brother borrowed the money and send the ailing minister, then in his 50s, back to the old home place and there age mother. A 19-year-old boy who lived on the place and did the chores became the sick man's nurse.