"Chapter 8—Call to Travel I related this vision to the believers in Portland, who had full confidence that it was from God. The Spirit of the Lord attended the testimony, and the solemnity of eternity rested upon us. An unspeakable awe filled me, that I, so young and feeble, should be chosen as the instrument by which God would give light to His people. While under the power of the Lord I was filled with joy, seeming to be surrounded by holy angels in the glorious courts of heaven, where all is peace and gladness, and it was a sad and bitter change to wake up to the realities of mortal life. 1T 62"
"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."
Both passages describe a person's reaction to a profound spiritual experience, including feelings of unworthiness and awe in the presence of the divine. Isaiah's reaction to seeing God is similar to EGW's feeling of being young and feeble.
"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven."
Both passages describe being taken up to heaven or a heavenly place in a vision. Paul's description of being caught up to the third heaven is similar to EGW's experience of seeming to be surrounded by holy angels in the glorious courts of heaven.
"Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength."
Both passages describe the physical weakness and loss of strength experienced after receiving a vision. Daniel's description of his comeliness turning into corruption and losing strength mirrors EGW's feeling of being young and feeble.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Both passages contrast the joy and peace of heaven with the sorrow and pain of earthly life. Revelation 21:4 describes a future state where sorrow and pain are absent, while EGW describes the 'sad and bitter change' of returning to mortal life.
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Both passages allude to the indescribable nature of heavenly experiences. 1 Corinthians 2:9 speaks of things that eye has not seen nor ear heard, while EGW describes being surrounded by holy angels in the glorious courts of heaven, implying a similar ineffable experience.
"In a second vision, which soon followed the first, I was shown the trials through which I must pass, and that it was my duty to go and relate to others what God had revealed to me. It was shown me that my labors would meet with great opposition, and that my heart would be rent with anguish, but that the grace of God would be sufficient to sustain me through all. The teaching of this vision troubled me exceedingly, for it pointed out my duty to go out among the people and present the truth. 1T 62.2"
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
The phrase "My grace is sufficient for thee" in 2 Corinthians 12:9 directly echoes the sentiment in the EGW passage: "the grace of God would be sufficient to sustain me through all." This is a clear application of the biblical principle of God's grace being adequate in times of trial.
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake."
Both passages involve a divine calling to deliver a message, coupled with the foreknowledge of suffering and opposition. The parallel lies in the experience of being chosen for a difficult task and the promise of divine support.
"My health was so poor that I was in constant bodily suffering, and, to all appearance, had but a short time to live. I was but seventeen years of age, small and frail, unused to society, and naturally so timid and retiring that it was painful for me to meet strangers. I prayed earnestly for several days, and far into the night, that this burden might be removed from me and laid upon someone more capable of bearing it. But the light of duty did not change, and the words of the angel sounded continually in my ears: “Make known to others what I have revealed to you.” 1T 62.3"
"Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."
Both passages depict a young person (Ellen White and Jeremiah) feeling inadequate for a divine calling due to youth and perceived lack of ability. Both express reluctance and receive reassurance from God to fulfill the task despite their fears.
"Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child."
Both EGW and Jeremiah express feelings of inadequacy and unsuitability for the task God has called them to. EGW focuses on her youth, frailty, and timidity, while Jeremiah focuses on his inability to speak. The shared theme of feeling unqualified makes this a valid connection.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Both passages deal with weakness being a conduit for divine power. EGW describes her poor health and feeling inadequate, while 2 Corinthians 12:9 speaks of God's strength being made perfect in weakness. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or allusion.
"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
Both passages involve a reluctance to accept a difficult task or calling. EGW prays for the burden to be removed, while Jesus prays for the cup to pass from him. Both ultimately submit to God's will. The connection is thematic, focusing on the struggle and eventual acceptance of divine will.