Ellen White spoke extensively about faith, emphasizing that **believing does not come naturally to us—unbelief is actually our "besetting sin."** In a sermon from March 1890, she candidly shared: "it is not natural for us to believe, but it is very natural for us to foster unbelief. This is the besetting sin, and has been the besetting sin of God's people" (
1SAT 143). She even admitted this was true in her own experience, saying she had "very severe lessons on this point until I know that it is not safe for me to cherish for one moment any doubt" (
1SAT 143). **The Foundation of Faith** Mrs. White was clear that true faith must be anchored in God's Word, not in human feelings or experiences. When addressing fanatical manifestations after 1844, she would tell people: "This is not the way the Lord works. He does not make impressions in this way. We must direct the minds of the people to the Word as the foundation of our faith" (
2SM 42). She consistently pointed people away from making any human being their standard, writing: "I want you to think of these things, and do not make any human being your criterion" (
8MR 350.1). **Faith as Personal Trust in God** Throughout her life, Ellen White demonstrated unwavering personal faith in God's guidance and promises. Near the end of her life, in conversation with Dr. David Paulson, she expressed this confidence powerfully: "The Lord has been my helper, the Lord has been my God, and I have not a doubt. If I could not realize that He has been my guide and my stay, do tell me what I could trust in. Why, I have just as firm a trust in God that He will stand my feet on Mount Zion, as that I live and breathe; and I am going to keep that trust till I die" (
LS 442.1). **Faith That Moves Forward** Mrs. White also taught that genuine faith leads to action and advancement in God's work. Reflecting on the progress made in establishing institutions, she wrote: "We have moved out by faith and have made large advancement, because we saw what needed to be done, and we dared not hesitate" (
LS 374.6).
This practical faith sustained her even in old age and physical weakness, as her son described her as having "faith in God's power to sustain her through the many weaknesses attendant on old age; faith in the precious promises of God's word; faith in her brethren who bear the burden of the work; faith in the final triumph of the third angel's message" (
LS 437.1). **Overcoming Unbelief** She acknowledged that developing faith requires conscious effort and divine help. When Brother Rousseau confessed his struggle with unbelief after hearing her testimony, he said: "If the Lord will pardon me, not another shade will I cast upon your soul to cause you sorrow. I will now look and work on the side of faith" (
8MR 370.4). This illustrates her teaching that we must actively choose to work on the side of faithrather than allowing doubt to take root. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
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