Conserving Life’s Energies
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manifestations of the Lord’s power in defining what is truth. I am
charged that we are to hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto
the end. We now need clearly to define what is truth, and let not the
enemy steal a march on us.
We know, and Elder Haskell and Elder Loughborough know also,
of the earlier history of this work. There are few now alive who passed
through the experience of 1843 and 1844. Let us be careful of our life
power. Do not work too hard.—
Letter 88, 1906
.
When Sleep Will Not Come, Pray
June 23, 1892. Another night has passed. I slept only three hours.
I was not in so much pain as usual, but was restless and nervous. After
lying awake for some time, trying to sleep, I gave up the effort, and
directed my whole attention to seeking the Lord. How precious to
me was the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (
Matthew 7:7
). I
prayed most earnestly to the Lord for comfort and peace, which the
Lord Jesus alone can give. I want the blessing of the Lord, so that,
[125]
while suffering pain, I shall not lose self-control. I dare not trust in
self for one moment.—
Selected Messages 2:235
.
A Rest Period in the Daytime
Dear Brother [S. N.] Haskell,
[
Elder Haskell was 73 and Ellen White was 79 when this letter was
written.
]
I urge you not to work above that which you are able to do. You
should have less constant, taxing labor, that you may be able to keep
yourself in a rested condition. You should take a sleep in the daytime.
You can then think more readily, and your thoughts will be more clear
and your words more convincing. And be sure to bring your whole
being into connection with God. Accept the Holy Spirit for your
spiritual illumination, and under its guidance follow on to know the
Lord. Go forth where the Lord directs, doing what He commands.
Wait on the Lord, and He will renew your strength.
But it is not required of you or of me to be on a continual strain. We
should surrender continually what He requires of us, and He will show