God Still Answers Prayer by John F. Olmsted

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1912

God Still Answers Prayer

By John F. Olmsted

JOHN F. OLMSTED

ONE year ago to-night, or on Feb. 13, 1911, in the quietness of the home, away from the rush of daily activities and cares, a manifestation of the mighty power of God was seen when the subject of this sketch was marvelously healed and freed from the cruel bondage of epilepsy.

For about thirty years Charles A. Alexander, 101 North High St., Columbus, Ohio, suffered untold tortures and miseries from epilepsy, and like the afflicted of Bible times, he would fall in the street or in his room. Once a month, and sometimes at more frequent intervals, he would be compelled to pass through these trying ordeals, many times alone. He believed that sometime in the providence of the Lord he would be healed of the disease that was sapping his vitality and reason.

After a very severe attack, Brother Alexander came to my home greatly depressed, almost despairing of life itself. He requested prayer, however; and wonderful as it may seem, God heard prayer, and rebuked the one responsible for all those years of agony and woe.

We studied God's Word carefully, and this study was followed by earnest prayer on the part of Brother Alexander, Mrs. Olmsted, and the writer. We felt that God was very near, and at the close of the season of prayer we laid our hands on the sufferer's head, and in the name of Jesus of Nazareth commanded the wicked and unclean spirit to come out. In an instant Brother Alexander was violently thrown backward, and fell prostrate on the floor, screaming in such a shrill, piercing way that we felt the presence of another spirit than that which guides the faithful here. He then assumed the appearance of one who was dying. Taking him by the hand, we lifted him up, and he soon revived; but in it he was in a state of high nervous tension all night. He returned home the next morning, and we are glad to say that the past year our brother has not been afflicted nor overcome with epilepsy.

This experience has greatly increased our faith, and made us realize more and more the nearness of Christ in times of disease and distress, and his willingness to bind up our wounds and set the captives free. His name shall have the glory, for it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Columbus, Ohio.