Title: “Smith Wigglesworth. The Secret of His Power”
Author: Albert Hibbert
Availability: Published by Harrison House, Oklahoma @1993. Koorong stocks it ~$10.95
Quick outline:
3 chapters, 104 pages, easy to read.
1. Smith Wigglesworth – The Man
2. Smith Wigglesworth – The Spirit
3. Smith Wigglesworth – Life in the Spirit
Brief Overview:
The book begins with Hibbert (the author) describing how he met Smith Wigglesworth through a miracle when he (Hibbert) was only a boy. Hibbert lived near Wigglesworth and Higgins contracted double pneumonia and was in a deep coma. Expert brain specialist said that he would never regain consciousness and suggested that that was for the best since his brain was so badly damaged that he would be mentally and physically incapacitated for life. The local minister came and asked the family what their reaction would be if God healed their boy. Hibbert’s older brother said he would serve God. The minister and Wigglesworth said that they were going to pray but the healing may not happen immediately so don’t be disappointed. They prayed and then had a cup of tea, during which time Hibbert woke up and was completely healed.
The book was full of great examples of when Wigglesworth prayed for healing for people and the miraculous results. One of the examples came from when Wigglesworth was staying with a curate of the Church of England who had had both legs amputated. Wigglesworth told the man to go and get a new pair of shoes in the morning, which the man did. Apparently the shop assistant was not impressed when the curate came into the shop asking for a pair of shoes to try on. However, as soon as the curate put one stump into the shoe, a foot and then a leg formed. Then the same happened to the other leg.
Wigglesworth was known for being sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit, but not necessarily to that of other people. One time, Hibbert’s aunt complained of stomach pain. Wigglesworth punched her in the stomach. She screamed out, but was healed. Wigglesworth said “I don’t hit people. I hit the devil. If they get in the way, I can’t help it….” (p12).
Because he was so sensitive to the voice of God’s Spirit, Wigglesworth was unpredictable. He dealt differently with everyone to whom he witnessed. He recognised that there was no one formula for healing people. In ministering to sick people, he would anoint some with oil, lay hands on some or just speak Biblical truth to others. No matter what method he used, the results would always be the same with healing occurring.
When Wigglesworth’s own wife lay dying, he rebuked death in the name of Jesus Christ. She sat up and said that God wanted her and to let her go. Apparently they talked for quite some time, then he let her go.
Wigglesworth believed that Christians should not be governed by their temperament. He had a problem with anger so he shut himself away, completely alone with God, until he dealt with his problem of anger. He then became very compassionate and never again reacted in anger. He was strong about not being governed by our feelings, saying that “We are not saved by feelings, but by the Word of God. Salvation does not fluctuate as do feelings.” (p24) Wigglesworth believed that “trying to act in faith without living a corresponding life of faith is sheer presumption.” (p13)
Wigglesworth never went more than 15 minutes without reading the Word of God, regardless of where he was or in whole company he found himself in. He also never let more than half an hour go past without praying. Wigglesworth never became involved in theological debate or scriptural interpretations. He believed it was more important to know God personally than to debate about God. Wigglesworth never read the newspaper, only glancing at the headlines. He believed it was more important to read the Word of God and get the whole truth than waste time reading a newspaper that only had partial truth.
He had a passion for the souls of men. He and his wife spent every Saturday night praying, claiming at least 50 souls for the next day which was Sunday. He also fasted every Sunday. The results were that he couldn’t remember ever seeing fewer than 50 souls saved every Sunday.
He gave the following challenge to all Christians (p 99) “Live ready. If you have to get ready when the opportunity comes your way, it will be too late. Opportunity does not wait, not even while you pray. You must not have to get ready, you must live ready at all times. Be filled with the Spirit; that is, be soaked with the Spirit. Be soaked so that every thread in the fabric of our life will have received the requisite rue of the Spirit. Then when you are misused and squeezed to the wall, all that will ooze out of you will be the nature of Christ.”
As the final page states in summing up Wigglesworth “(He) was an ordinary working man but with an extraordinary Source of power.” (p104) He never claimed any glory for any miracle of healing.
Strengths:
This book is a concise overview of Smith Wigglesworth life. It is a huge encouragement on developing a relationship with God and being intimate with God. The fruit of his life and ministry are enough to make you want to read and learn more about him. I would definitely recommend this book to people wanting to live a naturally supernatural lifestyle.
Why I chose to read it:
To be honest, we were on holidays and my husband had the book with him. I didn’t have any other book to read, so started reading it but was soon captivated and challenged by it. I would definitely recommend it to every Christian.