3 TIMES
ELLEN SMYTH HEARD GOD

Though she has never heard an audible voice like Samuel, God has spoken to Ellen—clearly, unmistakably—at least three times. When He speaks, it sounds like her own inner voice, her own vernacular. Yet she knows it’s Him because He interrupts her. Ellen never interrupts herself. And when He speaks, He floods her with His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness (humility), and self-control—confirming His presence.

The first time she heard from God, she had been listening to Chuck Missler, a common theme across all three instances. Chuck had just wrapped up his Corinthians commentary on spiritual gifts. He challenged his listeners to pray about their calling and their spiritual gifts. Everyone who is called by God—every Christian—has a calling. And, according to Chuck, the greatest mission in life is to find that calling and pursue it with everything you have. That, he said, will bring more joy than you can possibly imagine.

But then came the warning: You’ll be praying for months, maybe even years, before you find it. But when you do, every moment of waiting will be worth it.

Ellen pressed pause right there. She prayed, fully expecting to wait months for an answer.

"God, I don’t know what kind of spiritual gifts Chuck has, but I want those. And I don’t know what kind of calling Chuck has, but I want that."

Before the words had even finished rolling off her tongue, she heard it—His voice, unmistakable.

"Done." Done.

His interruption spoke volumes.

"I have been waiting for years for you to ask, Ellen. Done."

She knew instantly that her first mission was to write a book—a pipe dream she had carried for ages. Little did she know then how God would explode her biblical understanding and wisdom.

The second time she heard from God, she had been listening to three of Chuck’s commentaries simultaneously. Somehow, all three tied back to the story of Elijah and Elisha.

Chuck loved sharing a theory—that John the Baptist’s father may have taken the actual mantle of Elijah and Elisha for John at the angel’s instruction while serving as a priest in the temple. Was it true? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But wouldn’t it be incredible if it were?

That wasn’t the part that captivated Ellen, though. What really grabbed her attention was this: Elisha received double the portion of Elijah’s Spirit—not because he was more beloved by God, but simply because he asked.

That thought burrowed into her mind.

Should I ask for a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit, just like Elisha? No way. I’m not even close to worthy—certainly not for double. What about a single portion? Nope, still unworthy.

Then the real question hit her.

"How much of the Spirit am I worthy of?"

She actually thought that.

And then—duh, Ellen. Zero. Zero.

She wasn’t worthy to have any portion of Almighty God inside her. And yet... she didn’t want zero.

"I want... I want... I want as much of You and Your Holy Spirit as You are willing to give me."

And again, He interrupted.

"Same, Ellen. Same. I want as much of you as you are willing to give Me."

And then—heaven opened. A massive ocean of His Spirit flooded over her. Her body, her blood, thrummed with His almighty power. Wave upon wave of peace and joy crashed over her.

For hours, she floated on Cloud 9.

Years later, she still feels the aftershocks.

The third time, God spoke through Scripture. She had been chasing the meaning of Hebrews 6:4-6 for weeks—seeking answers to two burning questions:

1. Why are many called but few chosen?
2. Why must we repent to conquer death and eat from the Tree of Life, as Revelation 2 and 3 say?

And then, He answered.

Since that time, God has continued to show her great and hidden things she had not known. He handed her the Book of Revelation line upon line, precept upon precept. And everything He has revealed confirms Hebrews 6.

"All who fall after glory..."