Life Sketches Manuscript - Ellen G. White

When I was first struck down, some of those present were greatly
alarmed, and were about to run for a physician, thinking that some sudden
and dangerous indisposition had attacked me; but my mother bade them let
me alone, for it was plain to her, and to the experienced Christians, that it
was the wonderful power of God that had prostrated me. When I returned
home on the following day great change had taken place in my mind. It
seemed to me that I could hardly be the same person that left my father's
house the previous evening. This passage was continually in my thoughts:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." My heart was full of happiness
as I softly repeated these words.
View of the Father's Love
Faith now took possession of my heart. I felt an inexpressible love for
God, and had the witness of His Spirit that my sins were pardoned. My peace
and happiness were in such marked contrast with my former gloom and
anguish that it seemed to me as if I had been rescued from hell and
transported to heaven. I could even praise God for the misfortune that had
been the trial of my life, for it had been the means of fixing my thoughts
upon eternity. Naturally proud and ambitious, I might not have been inclined
to give my heart to Jesus had it not been for the sore affliction which had cut
me off, in a manner, from the triumphs and vanities of the world.
My views of the Father were changed. I now looked upon Him as a
kind and tender parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling men to a blind
obedience. My heart went out to Him in a deep and fervent love. Obedience
to His will seemed a joy; it was a pleasure to be in His service. No shadow
clouded the light that revealed to me the perfect will of God. I felt the
assurance of an indwelling Saviour, and realized the truth of what Christ had
said: "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life."
32