Smith Wigglesworth: The Secret of His Power - Albert Hibbert

Published by Sovereign World Ltd: England, 1987.
First published by Harrison House Inc, 1982.

One of those "it caught my eye on a bookshelf" books that so often end up being worth it, I found this one on our church "library" shelf. 

Author Albert Hibbert tells highlights from the ministry of Smith Wigglesworth, writing from the perspective of a friend of the preacher. There are elements of biography weaved throughout, but it could more rightly be titled a 'memoirs' of sorts, as the majority of the book focuses on short anecdotes about Wigglesworth - the heart of his message, the salvations, the healings, and most of all, the close walk with his God.

Those wanting a step-by-step account of Wigglesworth's life will be disappointed, but those wanting an understanding of what Wigglesworth was like and what he valued in life have come to the right place. Within the book - which is relatively short and divided into three sections - we get many pithy sayings that Wigglesworth uttered, such as: "I don't very often spend more than half an hour in prayer at one time, but I never go more than half an hour without praying" (page 41). These comments highlight where the power of Wigglesworth's ministry came from: time in the presence of God.

Some of the stories included are powerful, but some are so challenging that I found them difficult to believe. Lord, help my unbelief! 

The one that I was both inspired by and struggled with the most was an anecdote included about when Wigglesworth's wife died. Wigglesworth went upstairs to where she was laid out, and Hibbert tells how he prayed for her to be resurrected. Apparently she was, but told Wigglesworth that bringing her back was the wrong thing to do, that she had run her race and he needed to let her go. After a short conversation, Wigglesworth apparently accepted what she was saying, and she once again died! 

I both believe that such an event is possible, and find myself struggling... particularly because this all happened when Wigglesworth was on his own - so the story was obviously reported back.

So... overall... this is a great book to read. Inspiring, uplifting, challenging... and literally faith-stretching.

Completed 11 May 2026.

Previous Book ~ Next Book

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