How can some keep the vision and excitement for the work of God if they become discouraged or disinterested?
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How can someone keep the vision and excitement for the work of God if they become discouraged or disinterested?
Ellen White offers several practical and spiritual principles for keeping the vision and excitement for the work of God, especially when facing discouragement or disinterest: 1. Consecration and Prayer: Discouragement often comes when one's interest is divided or when there is little prayer and consecration to God. She writes, "They serve God a little, but themselves more. They pray but little." (2T 507.2) Renewing one's commitment to God and increasing time in prayer is essential. 2. Active Service: Engaging in personal effort to bring souls to Jesus is both a "stimulus and a tonic." She encourages, "Go to work, whether you feel like it or not... In such labor you will find both a stimulus and a tonic; it will both arouse and strengthen." (5T 387.2) Serving others revives spiritual life. 3. Relying on Principle, Not Feeling: Those who depend on excitement or feelings will falter when things are discouraging. Instead, "Men who serve God from principle... will be seen leaning securely upon the never-failing arm of Jehovah." (1T 444.3) 4. Seeking the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit revives and strengthens spiritual life, even in those who seem hopelessly discouraged. "Under the ministration of the Holy Spirit the stupidity that makes their uplifting appear so hopeless will pass away... Spiritual life will revive and strengthen." (7T 229.1) 5. Focusing on the Needs of Others: Taking a special interest in the youth and those who are struggling helps to shift focus from self to service. "The work that lies nearest to our church members is to become interested in our youth, with kindness, patience, and tenderness..." (6T 196.2) 6. Keeping the Vision Before You: Dwell on the possibilities of what God can do through you. "Will you catch the inspiration of the vision? Will you let your mind dwell upon the picture?" (8T 45.1) 7. Perseverance in Darkness: When the work is hard and discouraging, do not give up. "When the work moves hard and everything assumes a discouraging aspect... trust God and labor on in the darkness as well as in the light." (1T 444.3) 8. Encouragement from Christ: Even when the outlook seems discouraging, Christ sees potential in each person and offers hopeful assurance. "But Christ greets with hopeful assurance the very men and women who cause us discouragement." (7T 271.1) In summary, Ellen White counsels to renew consecration, engage in active service, rely on principle, seek the Holy Spirit, focus on helping others, keep the vision alive, persevere through discouragement, and take encouragement from Christ’s assurance. These steps help rekindle vision and excitement for God’s work even in difficult times. If you would like more specific counsel or examples, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1871). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 507.2. - White, E. G. (1885). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 387.2. - White, E. G. (1868). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 444.3. - White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 229.1; p. 271.1. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 196.2. - White, E. G. (1904). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 45.1.
Note: Ellen Chat may generate unexpected or inaccurate responses. Please verify any quotes with original sources.

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