In the bitter cold of a Michigan winter, Ellen White sat beside her husband’s bed, her heart heavy with concern. James White, once vibrant and tireless in his ministry, now lay motionless, the victim of a paralyzing stroke that doctors believed would permanently confine him. The couple had spent years crisscrossing the countryside establishing churches and spreading their message of Christ’s return. Now, everything had changed in an instant.
Desperate to help her husband, Ellen sought the best care available. They traveled to a renowned healing facility in Danville, New York. As they spent time there, Ellen watched James struggle with the prescribed treatments. Her heart ached to see him suffer, and doubt crept in. Traditional medicine had failed, but in prayer she received an impression that challenged everything she knew about healing. What if there was a divine blueprint for health that modern medicine had overlooked? What if God’s plan for wellness encompassed the whole person — body, mind and spirit?
A sense of peace washed over her. She knew what they had to do. Convinced that God’s plan for healing went beyond conventional medicine, Ellen made a bold decision. She brought James back to their farm in Michigan, where they could implement these principles. They focused on natural remedies like fresh air, nutrition, activity and rest, all rooted in their faith. To the astonishment of many, James began to recover. His strength returned, and he was able to resume his work.
This personal victory ignited a passion in Ellen. She believed that if these principles could heal James, they could help others too. She envisioned health institutions where people could learn to live healthier lives rather than just treat diseases. With unwavering faith, she and James presented this idea to church leaders. Despite initial skepticism, their persistence paid off. In 1866, the Western Health Reform Institute opened its doors in Battle Creek, Michigan, marking the beginning of what would become a global healthcare movement.
That small institute was the seed from which AdventHealth grew, touching millions of lives with its commitment to whole-person care.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28
Spiritual Thought
Ellen White’s story teaches us that God can transform even our greatest trials into opportunities for greater purpose. Faced with her husband’s devastating stroke, she chose faith over despair and discovered an innovative approach to healing that transcended the medical wisdom of her time. What seemed like an insurmountable crisis birthed a revolutionary vision for whole-person care that would grow from a small institute into a global movement.
My Prayer
Lord, help me to trust in Your plan, even when I don’t understand the path before me. Give me the faith to see beyond my circumstances and to believe that You are working all things for good. May I be open to Your guidance and willing to follow where You lead, knowing that You can use my life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
