Humble Beginnings
Born into poverty in Menston, Yorkshire, England on June 10, 1859, Smith Wigglesworth's early life was marked by hardship. Despite his initial illiteracy due to long hours of child labor, he was introduced to Christianity by his grandmother at a young age. At 16, he joined the Salvation Army, where his faith began to take root. Wigglesworth married Mary Jane 'Polly' Featherstone in 1882. It was Polly who taught him to read, using the Bible as the primary text. This laid the foundation for his deep and unwavering belief in the power of God's word.
Baptized in Fire
In 1907, during the Sunderland Revival, Wigglesworth experienced what he described as a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit, marked by speaking in tongues. This experience catalyzed his ministry, leading him to believe that God would use him to heal others. When his sons fell ill, Wigglesworth and Polly prayed, and the children were healed. This miracle solidified his calling to a healing ministry.
A Global Ministry of Healing
Wigglesworth's ministry soon gained international attention. He traveled extensively, preaching the message that Jesus heals through faith. His belief in immediate healing was unwavering. He often stated, 'Faith is just the open door through which the Lord comes. Do not say, "I was healed by faith." God heals through that open door.' His ministry was marked by extraordinary events, including reports of people being raised from the dead, although these accounts are not always independently verifiable.
All Glory to God
Despite the miraculous nature of his ministry, Wigglesworth remained humble, always giving credit to Jesus. He emphasized that the true purpose of healing was to glorify God, not for personal acclaim. As Wigglesworth once said, 'The Lord does not heal you to go to a baseball game or to a racetrack. He heals you for His glory so that from that moment your life will glorify Him.'
Smith Wigglesworth passed away on March 12, 1947, in Wakefield, Yorkshire. His legacy as the 'Apostle of Faith' continues to inspire many, demonstrating the power of faith in action and leaving a profound impact on the modern Pentecostal movement.
