In 1991, I was in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to appear on the “700 Club” with Pat Robertson. Following the program, I was asked to speak to the entire staff of the Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University.
When I concluded my message on God’s anointing, I gave the microphone to Pat. As he began to pray to close the service, I felt a tremendous anointing. Suddenly I heard him praying for me and as he continued to pray I began to weep.
To this day he does not know the impact his prayer had on me. I was going through an extremely difficult period in my life.
I had just written “Good Morning, Holy Spirit” and I was under attack from many sides. The book was selling 50,000 copies a week. Our television ministry and crusade were exploding.
Just before I flew to Virginia Beach, Suzanne and I had a lengthy conversation. We were beginning to comprehend the magnitude of our growing ministry and realizing all it would entail. The idea of moving into such a high-profile arena was becoming frightening.
“Benny, do we really, really want this?” she asked me. “Do you really want this ministry to grow for with the growth there is danger. Other ministers couldn’t handle the growth of their ministries and they fell, will you fall too?”
“What are you talking about?” I queried. But I knew exactly what she meant.
Suzanne wanted my assurance that when the pressure became intense I would remain strong and focused on the Lord Jesus. She said, “ I would rather have you stop right now than do something that would disgrace us.” It was before our fourth child was born.
Without knowing the struggle I was going through, Pat Robertson began to pray: “Dear Lord, Your Word declares that you are able to keep us from falling and present us before your throne with exceeding joy. We are kept by your power and not by our strength. We are sustained by the Living Water and Bread of Life and we will never be thirsty or hungry. You will preserve and protect so that we may be able to stand before you without spot or wrinkle.”
When Pat finished his prayer, I lifted my hands and made a vow before God that nothing in my life would bring a reproach on the gospel. Then the Lord said to me, “Benny, Go! I will be with you. I will keep you from falling. Just keep your eyes on Me.”
When I returned home I assured Suzanne, “Don’t worry, honey. The Lord has us in the palm of His hand. He is going to lead us, bless us, and protect us. And by God’s grace I will always follow His leading.”