Smith Wigglesworth: A Life of Faith and Power

The Humble Beginnings
Smith Wigglesworth was born on June 8, 1859, in Menston, Yorkshire, England, to a working-class family. His parents, John and Martha Wigglesworth, struggled financially, and young Smith had to work from an early age to help support the household. His father was a laborer, and the family’s economic hardships meant that Smith had little formal education. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated a deep love for nature and an early inclination toward spirituality.

Even as a child, Smith felt drawn toward God. Though he had no formal religious training, he would often go into the fields near his home to pray and reflect. He had a fascination with the beauty of creation, believing that nature revealed the presence of the Creator. His early life was shaped by a sense of divine purpose, even though he did not yet fully understand it.

A significant influence in his spiritual development was his grandmother, Bella, a devout Methodist. Born in 1776, she had likely witnessed some of the revivals under John Wesley. She carried a fervent passion for the Lord and instilled in young Smith the importance of prayer and devotion. She took him to a Methodist revival meeting when he was just eight years old, an experience that would change his life forever. At the meeting, he saw people worshiping passionately and openly expressing their faith, unlike the formal and reserved services he had previously encountered in the Church of England. The atmosphere of joy and freedom in worship deeply impacted him.

During the revival service, Smith heard a message about salvation and immediately responded. He described the moment as an unmistakable encounter with Christ, one that left him with an unshakable conviction that he had been transformed. From that day forward, he was certain of his salvation and never wavered in his belief.

His passion for the lost was ignited almost immediately. Even as a child, he had a burden to see others come to know Christ. He would talk to his friends about Jesus and try to lead them to faith. This early zeal for evangelism would become a defining characteristic of his later ministry.

Despite his spiritual enthusiasm, his family’s financial struggles meant he had to start working at a young age. He was apprenticed to a plumber, a trade that would provide his livelihood for many years. Though his formal education was minimal, Smith’s determination and work ethic made him skilled in his trade. However, even as he worked, he remained deeply committed to seeking God.

In addition to working, he continued attending church and growing in his faith. The Methodist teachings of holiness and dedication to God deeply influenced him. Although he was just a boy, he was already cultivating the foundation of faith and prayer that would later mark his ministry.

The Call to Evangelism
At the age of 13, his family moved to Bradford, where he joined a Methodist church. It was here that his gift for evangelism became evident. He was given an opportunity to share a short message, and despite his initial nervousness, he felt a strong conviction to speak about salvation. This experience sparked a desire in him to reach the lost.

As he grew older, Smith became increasingly burdened for souls. At 16, he encountered the Salvation Army, an organization known for its passionate evangelism and commitment to holiness. He was drawn to their fervent prayers and tireless efforts to win the lost. Inspired by their zeal, Smith became actively involved, attending prayer meetings and street evangelism efforts.

The Salvation Army’s practice of prayer and fasting for souls deeply impacted him. He learned to intercede for the lost, believing that no one was beyond the reach of God’s grace. He would often spend hours in prayer, crying out to God for the salvation of his town. His faith grew stronger, and he developed a boldness in sharing the gospel.

One defining moment in Smith’s early ministry came when he encountered a group of impoverished children. Seeing their dire condition, he felt compelled to help. He arranged for them to be taken to church, often using a donkey cart to transport them. Many of these children heard the gospel for the first time through his efforts, and numerous lives were transformed.

During this time, Smith also started working as a plumber to support himself. However, his heart remained focused on evangelism. He used every opportunity to share Christ with his coworkers and clients, refusing to separate his work life from his calling. Even while repairing pipes, he would speak about the love of Jesus, praying for those in need and offering words of encouragement.

Through these early experiences, Smith’s faith was being refined. He learned the power of persistent prayer, the necessity of faith, and the joy of seeing lives changed by the gospel. These lessons would lay the foundation for the mighty ministry he would later walk in.

A Divine Partnership
Smith met his future wife, Polly, at the Salvation Army. She was a powerful evangelist with a bold and passionate spirit for God. Unlike Smith, Polly was an articulate speaker and a natural leader. She quickly recognized the depth of Smith’s faith, though he was reserved in public. Despite his reluctance to preach due to his struggle with speech, Polly encouraged him and played a vital role in his spiritual growth.

They were married in 1882 and settled in Bradford, where they established the Bradford Mission. The mission became a haven for the poor, the broken, and the needy. Polly took the lead in preaching, while Smith focused on supporting the ministry by praying with seekers at the altar. His prayers were known for their fervency, and many who came to the mission encountered the presence of God in profound ways.

A Season of Backsliding and Restoration
Success in plumbing brought financial stability, but it also distracted Smith from his ministry, leading him into a period of spiritual decline. As business demands increased, he spent less time in prayer and evangelism, gradually drifting from his early passion for the gospel. His once fiery faith became lukewarm, and his focus shifted towards worldly success rather than God’s calling.

Despite this decline, Polly remained steadfast in her faith. She continued leading services at the mission, praying fervently for Smith’s restoration. One night, after returning late from a church service, she found herself locked out by an angry Smith. Undeterred, she calmly entered through another door. Her unwavering love and gentle spirit deeply convicted him.

Realizing how far he had drifted from his calling, Smith repented. He locked himself away for ten days, seeking the Lord with tears and fervent prayer. When he emerged, he was a changed man—revived, re-energized, and filled with renewed zeal for God’s work. This experience marked a profound turning point in his life, reinforcing his belief that nothing should take precedence over his relationship with God.

The Baptism of Fire
A pivotal moment came in 1907 when Smith received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at a meeting led by Alexander Boddy in Sunderland. Though initially skeptical, he persisted in seeking tongues as evidence of the Spirit’s fullness. During this period, he fervently studied the Scriptures, praying and asking God to fill him completely. When he finally received the baptism, he experienced a radical transformation, speaking in tongues and feeling an overwhelming presence of God.

He returned to Bradford with newfound spiritual authority. His preaching became more powerful, and miraculous healings started occurring regularly in his meetings. Polly, initially astonished at the change in him, quickly realized that God had taken Smith’s ministry to a supernatural level. From then on, his ministry took a dramatic turn, with signs and wonders accompanying his messages. He became a sought-after preacher, traveling extensively and sharing the message of faith, healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Healing Ministry
After encountering divine healing teachings, Smith embraced the doctrine that Jesus is the Healer. His healing ministry began when he reluctantly prayed for a sick person at a Leeds church. To his surprise, they were healed instantly. This launched him into a global healing ministry where he saw countless miracles, including the restoration of sight, limbs, and even the raising of the dead.

Smith’s confidence in divine healing grew as he witnessed more miracles. He firmly believed that faith was the key to unlocking God’s power. He often declared, “Only believe!” His meetings became known for their powerful displays of faith, where people with severe illnesses and disabilities were instantly healed.

One of the most astonishing testimonies involved a man who had been paralyzed for years. Smith, in his characteristic boldness, commanded the man to rise in Jesus’ name. After a moment of hesitation, the man leaped to his feet, completely healed. These types of miraculous healings were common in Smith’s ministry, reinforcing his reputation as a man of extraordinary faith.

Despite criticism and skepticism from some quarters, Smith remained steadfast. He rejected the use of medicine, believing that complete reliance on God was the only path to true healing. His firm stance on faith healing set him apart, drawing both admiration and controversy.

His healing ministry was not limited to large public meetings. He frequently visited the sick in their homes and hospitals, laying hands on them and praying with unwavering conviction. In one instance, a woman suffering from terminal cancer was given no hope by doctors. Smith prayed for her, and within days, she was completely healed, stunning her medical team.

Another remarkable event occurred when Smith prayed for a dead woman. With unshakable faith, he commanded her to rise. To the amazement of everyone present, she came back to life. Stories like these spread quickly, and people from all over the world sought him out for healing.

His reputation grew beyond England, leading him to travel internationally. He conducted healing campaigns in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where thousands gathered to witness the power of God. He would often begin his services with testimonies of previous healings, building faith in his audience before praying for the sick.

Smith’s approach to healing was direct and sometimes unconventional. He was known to strike afflicted areas of the body, believing that he was attacking the devil rather than the person. While this method shocked many, those who received healing praised his unwavering faith and authority in Christ.

The healing ministry of Smith Wigglesworth was a testament to his unyielding faith in God’s promises. He lived by the conviction that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and he sought to demonstrate the reality of that truth through his life and ministry.

Trials and Triumphs
Despite his many miracles, Smith Wigglesworth’s life was not without hardship. He faced intense criticism from skeptics, religious leaders, and even fellow believers who doubted his radical faith in healing. Many accused him of being too extreme, questioning his methods and theology. However, Smith never wavered in his convictions and stood firm on the Word of God.

One of the most difficult trials of his life came with the loss of his beloved wife, Polly, in 1913. Her passing was a severe emotional blow, as she had been his partner in ministry and a constant source of support. Overwhelmed with grief, Smith struggled to understand why God had taken her. In a moment of desperation, he even prayed for her to be resurrected. She briefly returned to consciousness, but she told him that it was her time to go and encouraged him to continue the work God had given him. Respecting her wishes, he let her go and resolved to carry on his ministry with even greater fervor.

His personal losses deepened his compassion for those who suffered. Smith often comforted the grieving and reminded them that death was not the end for believers. He encouraged people to place their hope in eternity and trust in God’s divine plan. His own experiences of pain and suffering gave him a unique ability to minister to the brokenhearted.

During World War I and later World War II, Smith saw how global events brought widespread suffering. He continued to preach faith and healing, offering hope to those who had lost loved ones in war. Despite the turmoil of the world, he remained unwavering in his belief that God’s power was greater than any circumstance.

Another significant challenge Smith faced was his own health. Although he preached divine healing, he was not immune to physical struggles. At various points in his life, he battled illnesses and injuries, yet he refused to accept defeat. He stood on the promises of Scripture, declaring healing over himself and others. His perseverance in the face of physical afflictions demonstrated his unwavering commitment to faith.

Throughout his life, Smith Wigglesworth exemplified endurance and steadfast faith. His trials did not weaken him but rather strengthened his resolve to trust God completely. He viewed challenges as opportunities for God’s power to be revealed. In every hardship, he emerged victorious, continuing to proclaim the gospel with boldness and authority.

Smith’s story is a testament to the fact that a life of faith does not exempt one from trials. Rather, it equips believers to overcome them. His resilience and reliance on the Holy Spirit enabled him to press on, leaving behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, and divine miracles.

The Power of Prayer and Faith
Smith Wigglesworth’s life was marked by an unwavering dedication to prayer and faith. He often emphasized that faith in God was the key to accessing His power. His teachings and personal practices reflected an absolute dependence on prayer, which he considered the foundation of his ministry.

Smith lived with the conviction that prayer was not just a spiritual discipline but a direct means of communication with God. He maintained a continuous prayer life, refusing to go more than twenty minutes without praying. When asked about his prayer habits, he famously stated, “I don’t often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than half an hour without praying.” This consistent connection with God was the secret to his spiritual strength and effectiveness in ministry.

Wigglesworth believed that faith was an active force. He often declared that “faith is an act” and encouraged believers to step out in boldness, trusting that God would honor their faith. He would regularly challenge people to put their faith into action, whether by believing for healing, provision, or divine intervention. His messages were filled with encouragement to trust God beyond human reasoning and to expect miraculous results.

One of the key principles Smith taught was the importance of confessing God’s Word. He urged believers to speak what they believed, rather than what they felt or saw. He would say, “Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.” He viewed trials not as obstacles but as opportunities for faith to grow.

His personal life reflected this unwavering faith. In one instance, he faced severe appendicitis, but instead of seeking medical help, he relied solely on prayer. As he prayed fervently, he was completely healed. Similarly, when his own body was wracked with pain or fatigue, he would refuse to acknowledge the symptoms and instead declare healing in Jesus’ name. His radical trust in God’s promises inspired many to believe for their own healing and breakthrough.

Wigglesworth’s prayer meetings were filled with intense intercession and powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He believed that prayer should be fervent, and he would often cry out to God with great passion, shaking the very atmosphere with his petitions. His meetings were characterized by deep encounters with God, where people would experience healings, deliverances, and a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.

In one of his most memorable prayer meetings, a group of ministers gathered to pray with him in a small room. As Smith began to intercede, the presence of God became so overwhelming that, one by one, the ministers had to leave the room, unable to stand in the intensity of God’s glory. Eventually, Smith was left alone, continuing to pray in the manifest presence of God. This incident exemplified his intimate relationship with the Lord and his ability to usher in God’s power through prayer.

Smith also emphasized the necessity of praying in the Spirit. He was a strong advocate for speaking in tongues and believed it was essential for building up one’s faith. He taught that praying in tongues allowed believers to access the mysteries of God and receive divine revelation. His messages frequently highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live victoriously.

His belief in faith and prayer extended beyond healing into every aspect of life. He trusted God for finances, guidance, and ministry direction. When he traveled, he often did so without making prior arrangements, believing that God would provide exactly what he needed. Time and again, he experienced divine provision, with unexpected blessings arriving just when they were required.

Wigglesworth’s teachings on faith and prayer were deeply influential. Many who sat under his ministry left with a renewed hunger for God and a greater understanding of how to walk in faith. His books, particularly Ever Increasing Faith, continue to inspire believers worldwide. The testimonies from his meetings serve as a lasting legacy of what God can do through a person wholly surrendered to Him.

Ultimately, Smith Wigglesworth’s life demonstrated that prayer and faith are inseparable. He lived with the bold confidence that God was always willing and able to move on behalf of those who believed. His relentless pursuit of God’s presence and his radical faith in God’s promises left an indelible mark on the Christian world, inspiring generations to live with greater trust and expectation of the supernatural.

The Global Evangelist
Smith Wigglesworth’s ministry extended far beyond England, reaching nations across the world. He traveled extensively, preaching in countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and various European nations. His reputation as a man of faith preceded him, and large crowds would gather wherever he went, eager to witness the power of God.

His meetings were marked by powerful demonstrations of faith, healing, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. People from all walks of life—rich and poor, educated and uneducated—attended his meetings, desperate for a touch from God. Many reported miraculous healings, deliverance from oppression, and an overwhelming sense of God’s presence.

Smith’s preaching was simple yet profound. He spoke with great authority and often emphasized the necessity of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. He challenged believers to go deeper in their walk with God, urging them to trust Him completely. His messages inspired many to pursue a life of holiness, prayer, and dependence on God’s Word.

Despite language barriers and cultural differences, his ministry transcended national borders. The universal message of faith and healing resonated with people everywhere, leading to the establishment of revival movements in multiple nations. His influence extended to future generations of preachers and evangelists, including notable figures such as Lester Sumrall and Reinhard Bonnke.

Even as he aged, Smith’s zeal for spreading the gospel never waned. He continued traveling and preaching well into his later years, undeterred by physical challenges. His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission made a lasting impact on the global church, and his teachings continue to inspire believers around the world today.

The Final Years and Legacy
As Smith Wigglesworth grew older, his passion for ministry never diminished. Even in his later years, he continued to travel, preach, and minister healing to the sick. Despite his advancing age, he remained as fervent as ever, relying on the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to sustain him. His deep relationship with God allowed him to continue his work effectively, inspiring new generations of believers.

During the 1930s and early 1940s, Smith ministered across Europe, including countries like Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland, where he continued to see great moves of God. His meetings were filled with supernatural healings, deliverances, and an atmosphere of powerful faith. Many leaders and ministers who attended his services would later go on to shape the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements worldwide.

In his final years, Smith became a mentor to many rising evangelists. Among them was Lester Sumrall, a young preacher who had the privilege of spending time with him. Smith shared prophetic words with Sumrall, foretelling great revivals that would sweep across the world. He spoke of a coming move of the Holy Spirit that would surpass anything seen before, a prophecy that many believe was fulfilled in the later Charismatic and Pentecostal revivals of the 20th century.

Even as his body aged, Smith never lost his fervency in prayer. He would often wake up in the early hours of the morning to intercede for the nations. His relentless faith in God’s promises remained unshaken, and those who were close to him testified of the deep presence of God that surrounded him at all times.

On March 12, 1947, at the age of 87, Smith Wigglesworth passed away peacefully. He had attended a church service earlier that day and, while speaking with friends, suddenly collapsed and went to be with the Lord. His passing marked the end of an era, but his influence continued to spread far and wide.

Smith Wigglesworth’s legacy is one of radical faith, deep intimacy with God, and unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel. His sermons and writings continue to inspire believers to walk in the fullness of God’s power. Books such as Ever Increasing Faith compile his teachings and testimonies, challenging readers to develop a lifestyle of bold faith and complete dependence on God.

His impact is still felt today in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles, where his teachings on healing, faith, and the Holy Spirit remain foundational. Many contemporary ministers cite him as a major influence in their lives and ministries. His unwavering belief in God’s power has encouraged countless people to step out in faith and trust in God’s miraculous provision.

Though Smith Wigglesworth is no longer physically present, his ministry lives on through the testimonies of those he touched. His life serves as a powerful reminder that one person, fully surrendered to God, can change the world. His example continues to call believers to deeper levels of faith, prayer, and devotion to Christ, ensuring that his legacy of faith and miracles endures for generations to come.