What does Ellen White write about...

Adventistische Schriften über: "A person has felt spiritually numb for years, is exhausted and grieving, and struggles with alcohol and sobriety; does Jesus know of sincere repentance and efforts?"

Answer

No relevant passages were found in the writings of Ellen G. White for this question. What follows, therefore, is a direct, Bible-based answer consistent with her well-known principles, not a quotation from her.

Yes, Jesus knows of sincere repentance and every honest effort.

He sees more than outward successes or failures. He knows the grief, exhaustion, and struggle of a person who wants to become or remain sober. As a compassionate High Priest, he understands our weakness and invites us to come to him especially in our need (Hebrews 4:15–16).

Feeling spiritually numb for years does not prove that God has abandoned a person. Grief, prolonged stress, depression, or addiction can profoundly affect a person's ability to feel. God's presence does not depend on whether it can be felt at a given moment. Even when we can hardly find words to pray, we may trust in the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26).

Repentance does not have to be proved by strong feelings

According to the principles found in Ellen White's writings, genuine repentance leads to Christ, not to endless self-condemnation. It means not excusing sin, but bringing it to the Savior. No one has to make themselves well or worthy first. Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).

Efforts to remain sober deserve recognition, but they do not buy God's love. His grace is the foundation on which new steps become possible. A relapse is serious and calls for help and an honest fresh start; but it is not proof that every previous step was insincere or that repentance is now impossible.

A next step can be small and concrete

  • Pray honestly: “Jesus, I can hardly feel anything. But I need you. Help me take the next good step today.”
  • Do not struggle alone: A trusted person, medical help, addiction counseling, and a suitable support group can provide important support. Accepting such help does not contradict faith.
  • Seek support for grief too: Pastoral care or psychotherapy can help a person bear the pain rather than numb it with alcohol.
  • In cases of physical alcohol dependence: Do not stop abruptly without medical supervision. Withdrawal can be life-threatening.

You do not first have to prove to Jesus how hard your struggle is. You may come to him with this struggle. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).

Note: Especially for highly specific Adventist or biblical questions, it is important to understand that this answer is not based on any specific documents found, but on general knowledge of the Bible and Adventist beliefs.

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Stephan Krol

Founder of EGW Vision

Why I built EGW Vision

Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.

EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.

My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.

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