While pastoring a Southern Baptist church in Texas, one day I heard that one of our church members was in the hospital after being bitten by a brown recluse spider. It was a pretty serious situation. The doctor had told the young mom that they may have to amputate her hand if the swelling did not stop soon.

The young lady asked me to come to the hospital to pray for her. Our church began to pray and I then gathered our elders together to pray as well. We decided to go together as a team to the hospital just as we are told to do in James chapter 5.

When we got there, we realized it was a very dangerous battle we were facing. The young mom had a hand that was so swollen and hurting that she said, "Pastor, please do not touch my hand. I am in terrible pain."

I said to her, "We are going to pray for your healing right now. I will anoint you with oil in the Name of Jesus. I will place that oil on your forehead and we will obey God's Word from James chapter 5. But, before I can do that, I have to ask you a personal question. Is there anything in your life that is grieving the Holy Spirit? Is there anything you need to confess?"

She paused for a moment and said, "I am not perfect, but I believe that my relationship with Jesus is strong and I am as close to Him as I have ever been. And, yes, I want you to anoint me with oil in the Name of Jesus. I want to be healed. But please don't touch my hand because of the terrible pain."

I promised to only anoint her forehead and asked her if she was ready.

I said to the elders, "You guys hold hands together and surround her with prayer. I will pray the prayer of faith and anoint her with oil."

I bowed my head and whispered a silent prayer that no one else heard but God.

I took the anointing oil and placed it on her forehead in the shape of a cross.

Then it happened. Oh, did it ever happen.

I started my prayer by simply saying, "Lord, we come to You in the mighty Name of Jesus....."

That is all I said and then suddenly the place was swept by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. I heard men crashing into the wall and falling down. I had never seen this. I had no idea what was happening! These things don't happen in a Baptist church! I was not taught about this in seminary! What in the world is going on, Lord?

Suddenly, the woman was screaming, "I AM HEALED! I AM HEALED! I AM HEALED!" She began clapping her hands together without pain over and over. "Look at me! Look at what God has done! The pain is gone and I am healed!"

I was speechless for one of the few times in my life.

I didn't know what to say or how to explain it. I just knew that I was probably going to be in big-time trouble as a pastor when this story gets out to the church!

Every man was down on the floor or up against the wall. This had never happened to any of us. We couldn't even talk for a few moments of holy hush. We realized that something incredible had just happened in our midst. But then we begin to debate about it.

"Was this God or was this Satan? Why did we fall on the floor and strong men get shoved against the wall. Was Satan cast out or did the Holy Spirit come upon us as He promised in Acts 1:8?" We debated back and forth.

Then I spoke and said, "Guys, Satan doesn't heal. You know that he came to kill, steal and destroy. This is healing. This is life. And this is the manifest Presence of the Lord doing what only He can do in our very midst. All glory, honor and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ!"

We all agreed that it was the most incredible moment of ministry that we had ever seen. Out of fear, I did not mention this publicly for years and years in my preaching because I didn't think people would understand. I didn't even understand it myself. But, before God, it honestly happened, and I am so thankful that I saw it with my very own eyes.

So, don't tell me that God doesn't answer prayers.

Don't tell me that God doesn't still perform miracles.

Don't tell me that God can't heal your cancer.

Don't tell me that God can't heal your marriage or your broken heart.

Don't tell me that God can't restore your health.

Don't tell me that God can't reclaim your children from the enemy.

Don't tell me that God can't give you the greatest miracle of all -- salvation, the forgiveness of all of your sins, and

a home in Heaven for eternity.

Don't tell me what God can't do at all. He can do anything He chooses to do.

And, my friends, God is still in the healing business today!

- Larry Petton