Oral Roberts: A Life of Faith

Embark on a journey through Oral Roberts' early life—a testament of faith, healing, and spiritual growth that resonates with believers navigating today's challenges.

Born into a lineage of Pentecostal preachers, Oral faced adversity from the start. Yet, his story teaches us that God's plan unfolds in unexpected ways. Have you encountered challenges that seemed insurmountable? How can Oral's resilience encourage you to face your own obstacles?

Oral Roberts, an American charismatic Christian televangelist, emerged from humble beginnings, overcoming challenges that tested his faith. As we explore the early chapters of his life and ministry, let's not merely observe but reflect on how his experiences can inspire and guide us in our own spiritual journey.

Oral Roberts was born to the Reverend Ellis Melvin Roberts and Claudius Priscilla on January 24, 1918, in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma. Months before he was born, his mother was called upon to pray for an ailing child, and she made a covenant with God to dedicate her child to God if He healed the ailing child. It happened that she felt the power of the Holy Spirit as she was praying for the child, and she knew that the child in her had been anointed. He was born a stammerer and nearly died of tubercolosis when he was 17. This was during the period when he was away from home because he didn’t want to be a preacher. He got born again on his sick bed but wasn’t healed yet. It happened that Brother George W. Moncey came to Ada, Oklahoma, and set up a tent revival meeting; this is where Oral Roberts got his healing from tuberculosis.

We have always heard of Oral Roberts as a mighty preacher. I just wanted us to see the beginning of his ministry so that we could be encouraged as young believers. He didn’t start out mighty, but he grew to be mighty. Whether you were like that or not, or if you wanted to be a Christian, low-key. Now is the time to come out of your hiding place.

Oral’s Early Years in Ministry

After his miraculous healing, Oral began preaching in revival meetings at every opportunity he had. For nearly a year, he preached the Word of God and the power of baptism in the Holy Spirit at Pentecostal Holiness meetings with his father. In August 1936, the East Oklahoma Pentecostal camp meetings were being held in Sulphur, Oklahoma. When he arrived, though, his mind was set on far more than that ordination. He was determined he would not leave those campgrounds without personally experiencing the fire of Pentecost. Oral began to seek God with all his heart for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Oral's intense quest for the baptism of the Holy Spirit demonstrates a hunger for a deeper connection with God. How fervently are you pursuing spiritual growth? What steps can you take to enhance your relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His presence?

Oral was an intense young man, passionately searching for God and seeking to be used by Him in every way possible. Now that he had been baptized in the Holy Spirit, his intensity increased—all he wanted was more of God in his heart and in his life. At each evening camp service, he used his musical talent by playing the guitar in the young people’s praise band.

Beyond preaching, Oral utilized his musical talents in praise bands. Are you employing your God-given gifts for His service? Whether it's musical abilities, leadership skills, or compassion, consider how you can contribute to the kingdom joyfully.

Following the Sulphur, Oklahoma, camp meetings in 1936, he preached for two years, sometimes with his father but more often alone. He was excited to be preaching for the Lord, but he was also experiencing the lonely life of an itinerant preacher. At the end of those two years, Oral decided it was time to find a wife, but not just any wife. She had to willingly accept the rough roads of a Pentecostal preacher’s life journey.

Oral faced the solitude of an itinerant preacher's life. In a hyperconnected yet isolating world, how can believers today overcome the loneliness that often accompanies serving God? How can the church community play a role in supporting individuals navigating the challenges of ministry?

Looking Forward: Applying the Lessons

As we delve into Oral Roberts' early years, let's not merely observe history but extract timeless lessons. How can you apply these insights to your own journey of faith? What steps can you take today to grow spiritually, serve joyfully, and overcome challenges with unwavering faith?

In our next episode, we'll delve into Oral Roberts’ ministry and his impact on the world. Stay tuned as we continue drawing connections between historical narratives and the relevance they hold for believers in our contemporary world.

Ref: God’s General by Roberts Liardon