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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
imbued with new strength and vigor. A new tide of emotions, a new
and elevated faith, took possession of my soul.
“During my sickness I learned some precious lessons,—learned to
trust where I cannot see; while unable to do anything, to rest quietly,
calmly, in the arms of Jesus. We do not exercise faith as we should.
We are afraid to venture upon the word of God. In the hour of trial, we
should strengthen our souls with the assurance that God’s promises
can never fail. Whatever He has spoken, will be done....
“Before my sickness, I thought that I had faith in the promises of
God; yet I find myself surprised at the great change wrought in me, so
far exceeding my expectations. I am unworthy of this manifestation of
the love of God. I have reason to praise God more earnestly, to walk
in greater humility before Him, and to love Him more fervently than
ever before. I am placed under renewed obligation to give to the Lord
all that there is of me. I must shed upon others the blessed radiance
which He has permitted to shine upon me.
“I do not now expect to be lifted above all infirmities and tribu-
lations, and to have an unruffled sea on the journey heavenward. I
expect trials, losses, disappointments, and bereavements; but I have the
Saviour’s promise, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee.’ We must not count
it a strange thing if we are assaulted by the enemy of all righteousness.
Christ has promised to be a present help in every time of need; but He
has not told us that we shall be exempt from trials. On the contrary,
He has plainly informed us that we shall have tribulation. To be tried
and tested is a part of our moral discipline. Here we may learn the
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most valuable lessons, and obtain the most precious graces, if we will
draw near to God, and endure all in His strength.
“My sickness has taught me my own weakness, and my Saviour’s
patience and love, and His power to save. When passing sleepless
nights, I have found hope and comfort in considering the forbear-
ance and tenderness of Jesus toward His weak, erring disciples, and
remembering that He is still the same,—unchangeable in mercy, com-
passion, and love. He sees our weakness, He knows how we lack faith
and courage; yet He does not cast us off. He is pitiful and of tender
compassion toward us.
“I may fall at my post before the Lord shall come; but when all
that are in their graves shall come forth, I shall, if faithful, see Jesus,
and be made like Him. Oh, what joy unspeakable, to see Him whom