Dwight L. Moody (1837–1899) was one of the most influential evangelists in history.
He preached to millions across America and Britain — but his power didn’t come from his personality or education (he had little formal schooling). It came from a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit.Moody was already serving God faithfully — preaching, leading Sunday schools, and organizing outreach events.
Yet deep inside, he felt something was missing. His words seemed to reach people’s minds, but not their hearts.Two elderly women in his church often said to him:“Mr. Moody, we are praying that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit.”At first, he didn’t understand why they kept saying that — but soon he began to feel a deep hunger for more of God’s power and presence.One day, while walking down a street in New York City, Moody suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of God’s presence.
He later described it like this:“The Holy Spirit came upon me in such a way that I had to stop and ask God to stay His hand. I was filled with such love that I could only weep with joy.”It was not emotional excitement — it was the Holy Spirit filling and empowering him completely.
From that moment on, Moody’s ministry was never the same.
He preached the same messages, but now thousands of hearts were transformed.
People wept in repentance, and lives were changed wherever he went. When someone asked him what had changed, Moody said:“I was all the time tugging and carrying the load myself. Now the Lord and I work together — and it’s His power, not mine.”