For generations, a certain man’s family had believed in and worshipped one of the Hindu gods. They believed this god had great powers to care for their family. But an Adventist group built a church near the family’s house. On top of the church was a loudspeaker, so all in the community could hear the sermons.
There are thousands of gods in the Hindu religion. Each of them represents various aspects of the ultimate reality called Brahman.
The Adventist preacher preached one day that the Christian God is the only living God. He is a very loving God, and He hears and answers the prayers of those who pray to Him. All other gods are only stones or pieces of wood, and cannot hear, see or answer any prayers.
Soon after hearing that message, this man developed a boil on his leg. The boil got worse and worse. His leg began to swell up so badly that he could not walk. His family carried him to the hospital. The medical staff treated him, but nothing seemed to help. In fact, within a short time he went blind.
In the blackness of his blindness, while his family members listened, he pleaded with his Hindu god. But there was no answer or healing. Then he cried out, “A long time I’ve prayed to you, and now when I need you most, you aren’t hearing me. You’re only a stone, not a god. I curse you!”
Just then the man remembered what he’d heard over the church loudspeaker.
The man now prayed, “Christian God, I believe you must be the living God. Christian God, Jesus, whatever your name is, I believe you can help me. Please help me!”
It was evening when he prayed. Without attempting to open his eyes, the man went to sleep, having appealed to the living God in Heaven. The next morning, he could see perfectly. And his leg was completely healed.
Quickly he returned home and went looking for Isaiah, the Adventist preacher. “Please tell me all about this loving, living God who can hear and heal,” he said.