On his early writings, St. Augustine (354-430) wrote that the healings seen in the early church no longer happened. He believed that the period for healings had ended, that they were simply no longer needed.

Many use his writings to prove that healings no longer happen in the church. What these sceptics ignore is that in 427, he wrote a book called “Retractions.” In this book, he confessed that he had been wrong. Healing was still actively happening throughout the church.

Why the change of heart? In a period of two years, St. Augustine found 70 people who had been healed. He wrote: “These miracles are now allowed to continue in our time, lest they should always require that can be seen, and by becoming accustomed to them mankind should grow cold toward the very things whose novelty had made men glow with fire.”

Before Easter, 424, a brother and sister approached St. Augustine. They both had convulsive seizures, and both were praying daily for healing. On Easter morning, the brother collapsed. It seemed that he was dead. Then he stood up, totally healed. The sister was healed instantly as well.

St. Augustine went on himself to become a conduit of God’s healing power. He would pray with tears and supplications for a people who were demoniacs, and they were instantly freed. A very sick man was brought to him, and the man asked St. Augustine to lay his hands on him so that he would be healed. St. Augustine responded that he had no such power. The man insisted, however, for he had been the recipient of a vision where God told him to go to St. Augustine, request he lay hands on him, and he would be healed. When St. Augustine complied, the man was healed.

Nothing is too difficult to our Father. He loves us. He is the healer. Why not approach Him and discover His endless love? No one else loves like He does. Believe it in His healing power. Don’t listen to sceptics. Trust in our Heavenly Father. He will come through.

“Some time later Hezekiah became deathly sick. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz paid him a visit and said, ‘Put your affairs in order; you’re about to die–you haven’t long to live.’ Hezekiah turned from Isaiah and faced God, praying: ‘Remember, O God, who I am, what I’ve done! I’ve lived an honest life before you, My heart’s been true and steady, I’ve lived to please you; lived for your approval.’ And then the tears flowed. Hezekiah wept. Isaiah, leaving, was not halfway across the courtyard when the word of God stopped him: ‘Go back and tell Hezekiah, prince of my people, “God’s word, Hezekiah! From the God of your ancestor David: I’ve listened to your prayer and I’ve observed your tears. I’m going to heal you. In three days you will walk on your own legs into The Temple of God. I’ve just added fifteen years to your life; I’m saving you from the king of Assyria, and I’m covering this city with my shield–for my sake and my servant David’s sake.”‘ Isaiah then said, ‘Prepare a plaster of figs.’ They prepared the plaster, applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah was on his way to recovery.” (2 Kings 20:1-7, MSG)

Our God shows He cares through His healings. Trust Him and experience Him fully. Wow! He is an awesome God!

Rob Chaffart


(To view the entire “Miracles From the Past” devotional series, please click here.)