There is a lesson for us in the experience of the churches of Macedonia, as described by Paul. He says that they “first gave their own selves to the Lord.” Then they were eager to give their means for Christ. “In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift.” {5T 734.2}

Det er ikke Guds vilje at folk i Battle Creek skal forblive i deres nuværende kolde og passive tilstand, indtil menigheden ved en mægtig mirakuløs kraft skal opvækkes til liv og aktivitet. Hvis vi vil være forstandige og ihærdigt, bønligt og taknemmeligt bruge de midler hvorved lys og velsignelse kommer til Guds folk, så vil ingen kraft på jorden kunne tilbageholde disse gaver fra os. Men hvis vi afviser Guds midler behøver vi ikke at vente på et mirakel fra ham, der skal give os lys, energi og kraft og det vil aldrig ske.