A Little Time of Peace

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for September 8
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A Little Time of Peace

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not
escape. 1 Thess. 5:3. 


While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the
earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to
prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the "latter rain," or
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to
the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in
the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. 

I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War,
bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the
land. As these things surrounded God's people, they began to press
together, and to cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no
longer controlled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering,
perplexity, and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the
passionate and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion
and wisdom. 

My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little
time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented
before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion. Strife,
war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other
nations were engaged in this war and confusion. War caused famine. Want
and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men's hearts failed them for
fear, "and for looking after those things which are coming on the
earth." 

Angels are now restraining the winds of strife, until the world shall be
warned of its coming doom; but a storm is gathering, ready to burst upon
the earth, and when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will
be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture. . . . 

A moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power
lent us of heaven is to be used in doing the work assigned us by the
Lord for those who are perishing in ignorance.

>From Maranatha - Page 259