“We have a most decided work to do to prepare for the judgment. The great question is, ‘How is it with my soul? Have I followed the light that God has given me?’ If you have faith now to grasp the promises of God, you will have faith when greater trials come. The present time is all-important time to us. Now is the time to know that Christ is formed within, the hope and glory.” –The Review and Herald, March 19, 1889
“Long ago I learned never to depend upon my feelings. I have heart disease. Sometimes when heavy burdens come upon me, I suffer constantly from pain in my heart. At such times I walk the floor, not daring to close my eyes in sleep for fear I should never wake. It is then that I plead with the Lord, and He gives me the victory. Then I am able to go to rest, with the sweet assurance that it is well with my soul, and with confidence that God will take care of me. As far as feeling is concerned, I feel no better. But what has feeling to do with faith? It is just as distinct from faith as is the east from the west. Your faith should rest upon the Word of God. It is your privilege to claim His promises by faith. Plant your feet firmly on a ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ and you will not need to consult your feelings.
“People often ask me, ‘How do you feel this morning?’ I tell them that I do not say much about my feelings. But when I am the weakest, when I feel the most pressed by the enemy, I know there is a victory to gain, and this victory I am determined to gain. In the faith that I have, I feel today that I can take hold of the Mighty One, and that He will spare my life just as long as He sees best.
“Let us all have confidence in God. Press your way through the shadow which Satan throws across your pathway, and take hold of the arm of Jesus, the Mighty One. Let your case rest in His hands. Let your prayer be, ‘Lord, I present my petition to Thee. I put my trust in Thee, and I ask for the blessing that thou seest will be for my present and future usefulness and my eternal good.’ When you arise from your knees, believe! When the enemy comes with his darkness, sing faith and talk faith, and you will find that you have sung and talked yourself into the light.”–Manuscript 91, 1901
“We should contemplate the wonderful love of God and the infinite sacrifice made for us, that we might reach the highest standard possible. Oh, what a theme to contemplate, that man, depraved and lost in his natural condition, may be renewed and saved by the gracious help that Christ gives him in the gospel. The love of Jesus in the soul will drive out the enemy who is seeking to take possession of man. Every trial patiently borne, every blessing thankfully received, every temptation faithfully resisted, will make you a strong man in Jesus Christ. All this grace may be gained in [the] prayer of faith. Jesus, precious Saviour! . . . Do not disconnect from God. Let gratitude be cherished in your hearts for every token of good. It is well to often enter into a close examination of self. Is all right between my soul and God? Is it well with my soul? Jesus taught that men ought always to pray and not to faint. Lay hold upon strength from above. Even Jesus, when preparing for some great trial, would resort to the solitude of the mountains and spend the night in prayer to His Father. May God help you and bless you.” –Letter 11, 1886
Ellen G. White