Ellen White A Modern Prophet, Part 3

The popular phrase “egg on one’s face” has several theories as to its origin, one of which is the result of a person’s terrible table manners. However it originated, the phrase has a single, plain meaning: utter embarrassment.

The proposed year of Christ’s return, 1843, was quickly approaching. Ellen and the other Adventists spent those last weeks in dedicated preparation. But 1843 came and went—and Jesus did not return.

Then began a time of bitter disappointment, made all the more burdensome as tongues began to wag and the ridicule began to fly, resulting in many believers abandoning the movement.

But not Ellen. Though she did not have the answers, she believed the Word of God to be true.

Other Adventists began to take another look at Bible prophecy, eventually concluding that William Miller had the date incorrect. Christ’s coming, it was concluded, was actually October 22, 1844.

That single year Ellen describes as the happiest of her life. She was certain of the new date, and consequently, her efforts—and those of other believers— redoubled. They dedicated their short time to calling upon people to repent, to claim the salvation of Jesus Christ, and to prepare for His second coming. Though their work was greatly hindered by the evidences of their first failed prediction, they soldiered on, taking every moment as an opportunity.

But 1844, like the year before, came and went—without the Second Coming. And again, Ellen found herself severely tried and in darkness.

But not for long. She, as well as other believers, turned straight to the Bible once more, studying, and praying. It was their error, not God’s. In their humility, patience, and persistence, they were blessed. They discovered that it was not the date that was incorrect but the event, for Daniel’s prophecy did not refer to the second coming of Christ but to the start of a specific part of His ministry in heaven.

These two trials of her faith ended up strengthening, not diminishing, Ellen’s trust in God. As a consequence, before the year was out, Ellen was to receive a very special message from God that would change the rest of her life.

Reflect: Has your dark hour ever turned into a blessing? The Great Disappointment of 1844 not only led Ellen Harmon to her life’s calling, but also kindled the spark that eventually brought about the Seventh-day Adventist movement.

Key Bible Texts

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (Romans 5:3 KJV)