N umber Five—Testimony for the Church Chapter 33—The Laodicean Church 1T 185 Dear Brethren and Sisters, The Lord has again visited me in much mercy. I have been greatly afflicted for a few months past. Disease has pressed heavily upon me. For years I have been afflicted with dropsy and disease of the heart, which has had a tendency to depress my spirits and destroy my faith and courage. The message to the Laodiceans has not accomplished that zealous repentance among God's people which I expected to see, and my perplexity of mind has been great. Disease seemed to make continual progress upon me, and I thought that I must lie down in the grave. I had no desire to live, therefore I could not take hold of faith and pray for my recovery. Often when I retired to rest at night I realized that I was in danger of losing my breath before morning. In this state I fainted at midnight. Brethren Andrews and Loughborough were sent for, and earnest petitions were offered to God in my behalf. The depre…
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
The EGW passage discusses the Laodicean church and the need for repentance, directly referencing the message to the Laodiceans. Revelation 3:19 speaks of rebuke and chastening leading to zealous repentance. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"I saw that Satan had been trying to drive me to discouragement and despair, to make me desire death rather than life. I was shown that it was not God's will that I should now cease from the work and lie down in the grave; for then the enemies of our faith would triumph, and the hearts of God's children would be made sad. I saw that I should often feel anguish of spirit, and should suffer much; yet I had the promise that those around me would encourage and help me, that my courage and strength might not fail while I was so fiercely buffeted by the devil. 1T 185.2"
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure."
Both passages describe being 'buffeted' by Satan. The EGW passage describes a personal struggle against Satan's influence, similar to Paul's description of his 'thorn in the flesh'.
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
The EGW passage mentions the promise of encouragement and help, which aligns with the principle of God being a helper as stated in Hebrews 13:6. The EGW passage is a specific instance of trusting in God's help during a difficult time.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages acknowledge a spiritual battle against evil forces. The EGW passage describes being 'fiercely buffeted by the devil,' which aligns with the broader concept of wrestling against spiritual wickedness as described in Ephesians 6:12.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Both passages deal with weakness, suffering, and the promise of strength/grace. EGW's passage speaks of being 'fiercely buffeted by the devil' and needing encouragement, while 2 Corinthians 12:9 speaks of God's grace being sufficient in weakness. The connection is thematic, but not a direct allusion.