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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
a shock upon my left side. I had a strange sensation of coldness and
numbness in my head, and severe pain in my temples. My tongue
seemed heavy and numb; I could not speak plainly. My left arm and
side were helpless.
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The brethren and sisters came together to make my case a special
subject of prayer. I received the blessing of God, and had the assurance
that He loved me; but the pain continued, and I grew more feeble every
hour. Again the brethren and sisters assembled to present my case to
the Lord. I was so weak that I could not pray vocally. My appearance
seemed to weaken the faith of those around me. Then the promises
of God were arrayed before me as I had never viewed them before. It
seemed to me that Satan was striving to tear me from my husband and
children and lay me in the grave, and these questions were suggested
to my mind: Can you believe the naked promise of God? Can you
walk out by faith, let the appearance be what it may? Faith revived. I
whispered to my husband, “I believe that I shall recover.” He answered,
“I wish I could believe it.” I retired that night without relief, yet relying
with firm confidence upon the promises of God. I could not sleep, but
continued my silent prayer. Just before day I fell asleep.
I awoke at sunrise, perfectly free from pain. O, what a change!
It seemed to me that an angel of God had touched me while I was
sleeping. The pressure upon my heart was gone, and I was very happy.
I was filled with gratitude. The praise of God was upon my lips. I
awoke my husband, and related to him the wonderful work that the
Lord had wrought for me. He could scarcely comprehend it at first;
but when I arose and dressed and walked around the house, he could
praise God with me. My afflicted eye was free from pain. In a few
days the swelling disappeared, and my eyesight was fully restored.
The work was complete.
Again I visited the physician, and as soon as he felt my pulse he
said, “Madam, an entire change has taken place in your system; but
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the two women who visited me for counsel when you were last here
are dead.” After I left, the doctor said to a friend of mine: “Her case is
a mystery. I do not understand it.”