God’s Generals: The Prices They Paid for Power

The generation we live in today is in dire need of revival. It is a generation with an urgent need for spiritual awakening. Godly values are collapsing, holiness is dying, and idol worship is being enthroned in broad daylight. Our societies have drifted far from God, and money has taken center stage.

There is a need for men who will execute this project, men who will revive the earth, heal the lame, restore the broken, raise the dead, stifle the operations of the kingdom of darkness, and convert nations in their millions. These are not ordinary men but men with power, men who will exercise the authority in Matthew 10:8 to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils. Unfortunately, men with these powers are nowhere to be found. Nobody is willing to pay the price; we see the price as too tough.

If you are willing to pay the price, God will use you for this task. Those who came before us—God's generals—paid the price, and they received the power.

Joseph Ayo Babalola: The Man Who Called Down Revival

Joseph Ayo Babalola was just 24 years old and working as a steamroller driver for the Public Works Department, which was then under British control.

While working at a road construction site in 1928, his steamroller stopped working, and for a whole week, he could not figure out what was wrong. Then, on October 9, while making futile attempts to repair the roller, a voice as loud as thunder called him into service. He went into fasting and prayer, and after seven days, he burst forth with power. He healed a boy who was dumb, delivered a woman who had been pregnant for four years, and by prophecy, he dethroned a local king who resisted the gospel.

In July 1930, he raised a boy to life, and the news of this miracle spread throughout the town. Everyone gathered, leading to the great Oke-Oye revival, a movement marked by great miracles, signs, and wonders. The dumb spoke, the mentally insane were restored, and several Muslims and idol worshippers surrendered to Christ.

This revival spread to Ibadan, Ilesha, Ghana, and beyond. The colonial government, fearing they were losing control, fabricated a list of allegations against him. They accused him of leading a lawless movement and arrested him. His followers were banned from holding services, and their place of worship was locked up.

Babalola was taken to court and charged with criminal offenses such as disturbing public peace with vigils, administering "unhygienic" sanctified water for healing, and discouraging people from using modern medicine. He remained in prison for six months until God touched The Apostolic Church Mission in Britain to intervene. The Faith Tabernacle leaders wrote to them, and they responded instantly by sending three delegates to dialogue with the Nigerian colonial government. Eventually, he was released.

Smith Wigglesworth: The Apostle of Faith

Smith Wigglesworth had a serious stammering problem. He could not speak fluently, read, or write. His wife, Mary Featherstone, did all the preaching because Smith could not. But despite his limitations, Smith never gave up. He devoted himself to reading the Bible, carrying a New Testament wherever he went. He immersed himself in fasting and prayer.

When he was baptized in the Holy Ghost, his stammering problem disappeared, and he was anointed to preach. His wife was astonished when she heard him minister for the first time.

Over the years, Smith Wigglesworth’s ministry witnessed thousands of healings. He raised 23 people from the dead. In one instance, a man suffering from severe stomach pain came forward for prayer. Smith punched the man in the stomach, and he was instantly healed.

On another occasion, he received news that a friend had died. When he arrived, he lifted the dead body, looked into her face, and declared, "In the name of Jesus, I rebuke this death!" Immediately, she began to tremble. Again, he commanded, "In the name of Jesus, walk!" Not only was she raised from the dead, but she was also instantly healed.

Smith and his wife never allowed medicine in their home. They relied solely on divine healing. He became known as the Apostle of Faith.

Kenneth Hagin: The Father of the Faith Movement

Kenneth Hagin was born with a deformed heart and an incurable blood disease. By age 15, he was paralyzed and was not expected to live long.

In April 1933, he had a near-death experience where he saw the horrors of hell three times and returned to life. After his conversion, he remained paralyzed until August 1934, when God healed him completely.

Hagin ministered for nearly 70 years and was a key figure in the Voice of Healing Revival in the U.S., alongside Oral Roberts, Gordon Lindsay, and T.L. Osborn. In 1974, he founded RHEMA Bible Training College in Oklahoma, an institution that has trained pastors, ministers, and evangelists worldwide.

Despite predictions that he would not live long, Kenneth Hagin lived to be 86, passing away in 2003.

Benson Idahosa: The Evangelist Who Took the Gospel to Nations

Benson Idahosa was born a sickly infant who frequently fainted. When he was just 18 months old, his father ordered his mother to throw him into a rubbish heap to die, but God preserved him.

Rejected by his father, he was denied education until he was 14 years old. Despite starting school late, he became a voracious learner.

As a young convert, he became passionate about evangelism. One night, he had a vision of God calling him into ministry. He began preaching from village to village, demonstrating great power and anointing.

He ministered in 123 countries and held at least one crusade per month. In April 1985, nearly one million people attended his Lagos crusade in a single night.

Oral Roberts: The Healing Evangelist

Oral Roberts developed tuberculosis at age 16. While playing basketball, he collapsed and nearly died. After months of suffering, his family took him to a tent revival meeting in Oklahoma, where he was healed.

By 18, he had started his own ministry. In his first three years, he recorded over 400 salvations, 125 sanctifications, and 98 Holy Ghost baptisms.

Oral Roberts conducted large-scale tent crusades across the U.S., leading millions to Christ. His passion for raising godly leaders led him to establish Oral Roberts University, officially dedicated in 1967, with evangelist Billy Graham as the keynote speaker.

What About You?

These men gave everything for the kingdom. What are you willing to give?

This power does not come easily—it is not for the faint-hearted. Satan will go to any length to derail you. He may attack you with illness, financial struggles, or family crises. Society may see nothing good in your life, but do not falter, do not bend, and never give up.

Soak yourself in prayer and fasting. Seek God's face, preach the gospel—whether in markets, streets, schools, or workplaces.

When you persist, the divine power of God will come upon you. Nations will hear your name, the kingdom of darkness will crumble, and destinies will be liberated.

If you believe this, turn it into a prayer:

"The power of God to do exploits, come upon me now!"

Keep praying until you are filled with power!