My mother was a tiny woman, barely reaching 5 feet tall, and I towered over her by more than a foot. But however small she was physically, she was a giant when it came to having godly wisdom. I remember one time, early in my ministry, when my parents came to one of my crusades. They didn’t let me know they were in the audience they just sat in the back and watched as I preached. They wanted to be sure that what I was doing was in harmony with the way God had shown them I was to fulfill my mission on earth. My mother was especially concerned, for she felt she had a lot at stake she had dedicated my life to God before my birth.
A short time after the crusade, my parents came to visit Evelyn and me. “Oral,” said Mamma, “I asked God if this is what He’s called you to do, and He told me that it is. So I want to tell you two things: “First,” Mamma continued, “always obey God.” She must have known that there was something about her youngest child that might lean toward being disobedient on occasion! She gave me the Scripture in Isaiah 1:19 KJV: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.
To this day, obedience to God has been my #1 concern. Before making any major decision, I always take time to consider, What does God want me to do? What does His Word say about this? “The second thing,” Mama told me that day, “is to always stay little in your own eyes.” She was concerned that when success came, I might get the bighead. And she knew if that happened, I could dishonor God and lose it all.
I always did what Mamma said. This is what I teach to Richard Roberts. And I’ve always remembered that without God, I am nothing. Through the years when people have complimented my preaching or remarked about the healings that occurred through the ministry, I’ve always said, “It isn’t me. I’m only obeying God. Only He has the power to save, heal, and deliver.” From a very tiny woman came godly advice that helped shape my life and my ministry. And along the way I’ve learned that it’s always good to do what Mamma says.
