Smith Wigglesworth said, “God has chosen us to help one another. We dare not be independent.” I wish the Body of Christ understood this better. If we did, I believe, as a whole, we’d see the power of God stronger than ever before.
Jesus said, “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (Matthew 18:19, NLT). This scripture is so amazing and powerful all at the same time. Think about it. Jesus said God would do what we ask in prayer — just because we agreed together.
God Said It
I need to add that the agreement He was talking about wasn’t just anything— God cannot (will not) operate outside the bounds of His Word. But when we take His Word before Him and agree together that God is able to do what He said, we will see Him answer that prayer!
I have experienced this personally many times— but one time in particular stands out to me. On August 11, 2021, I took my mom to the emergency room with a bad respiratory cough and other symptoms. We had no idea she had Covid. She had experienced lingering coughs before and at first this seemed familiar. And the other symptoms seemed random. I saw how weak she was and assumed she was dehydrated.
In reflection, I wish I’d pray more fervently at the onslaught. I think we tolerate more than we should. When symptoms show up, however minor they seem in the moment, why do we tolerate them? God said if we’d pray, we’d receive answers.
My second mistake was I didn’t ask for prayer for her healing soon enough. It’s in the agreement that things change– our mutual faith is powerful! Thankfully, God works with our shortcomings and there’s never any condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1). The truth is, sometimes we don’t see clearly until we’re further down the road.
Following the ER visit, my mom was hospitalized for almost three months. She had to be intubated, put on a ventilator, and flown to a larger hospital several hours away. During her first few days in the hospital, mom and our family agreed together in prayer for her healing and believed she would be home soon but that didn’t happen. What I’ve learned is, prayer requires perseverance because sometimes the devil throws a curveball to rattle our faith.
Then what?
Shortly after mom was put on a ventilator, I others know by posting an update on social media asking for agreement in prayer. But I need to give a warning: If your circle of friends aren’t believers, this might not be a good decision. The last thing we needed was a bunch of “oh no poor thing…”
What we needed (and what we got) was FAITH-FILLED AGREEMENT!
The Body of Christ rallied around my mom in FAITH. But the agreement started in mom. She knew God’s Word for herself. Several times while she was in ICU, I would see her lips moving and as I got closer to see if she needed something, I would hear her whispering, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17). Battles like hers are fought long before you see them. SHE knew God’s Word. And instead of acting independently, she AGREED with God’s Word.
Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Mom was on a ventilator for 19 days and then another 25 days with a tracheotomy. The battle wasn’t easy but the promises of God held us in perfect peace. The Body of Christ— people full of faith in God’s goodness —came together and made mention of mom in their prayers. “[And] when God saw the trouble they were in and heard their cries for help, He remembered his Covenant with them, and, immense with love, took them by the hand. He poured out his mercy on them while their captors looked on, amazed” (Psalm 106:44-46, MSG).
When I shared a picture on social media of mom and I standing outside the hospital when she was released to come home, the rejoicing of those standing in faith with us was immense. One friend said, “Daphne, thank you for sharing this testimony all along the way! It is so rewarding to see this picture of His Faithfulness!” I smiled as I read that because I couldn’t agree more. We were encouraged TOGETHER (us with God, mom with God, each of us bringing our part of faith).
The Bible says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT). Without a doubt, God is the Healer. But it was the agreement of the Body of Christ that empowered us in the middle of that storm.
We need to know and believe God’s Word, and then we need to come together in faith. “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” (Romans 1:12).
Never forget: Our God is faithful. He has given us the power of agreement. I hope you never fight alone — find some faith friends and agree with God together!
