Ellen White stood at the ship's rail breathing in the cool, fresh Atlantic breeze on her return trip from Europe. As she reflected in God's ever-abiding presence, her attention was drawn to the deep cut of the prow of her vessel, her eyes rolling with the white foam on the crest of the wave. Gazing along the deep blue wake stretching over the horizon, it occurred to Ellen that it was the power and weight of the vessel that cut the vast "V" in the surface of the water. Her heart, ever alert for impressions of the Spirit, was saddened as she thought of countless people who claim to know Christ, yet glide through life without leaving so much as a ripple of influence for Him.

A familiar verse came to mind: "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (see 1 Peter 5:6). Ellen's heart made the connection. She saw in this newly discovered object lesson the opportunity to carry the weight and authority of the Gospel through a partnership with God.

When we seek to make a difference in our own strength, depending on our own talents, abilities, and wisdom, we barely make so much as a ripple. But when we accept the weight of our responsibility and embrace what it means to hide ourselves in Jesus, we can place the very highest demands upon God. Partnered with the power and weight of the Almighty, we can expect the truth to cut its path in the very souls of those around us.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union conference communication director.

Ellen White first recounted this experience in a sermon in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, on January 14, 1889. The experience was later published in the June 18, 1889, issue of the Review and Herald.