I was unreconciled to going out into the world, and dreaded to meet its sneers and opposition. I had little self-confidence. Hitherto when the Spirit of God had urged me to duty, I had risen above myself, forgetting all fear and timidity in the thought of Jesus’ love and the wonderful work He had done for me. The constant assurance that I was fulfilling my duty and obeying the will of the Lord gave me a confidence that surprised me. At such times I felt willing to do or suffer anything in order to help others into the light and peace of Jesus. 1T 63.1 But it seemed impossible for me to perform this work that was presented before me; to attempt it seemed certain failure. The trials attending it appeared more than I could endure. How could I, a child in years, go forth from place to place, unfolding to the people the holy truths of God? My heart shrank in terror from the thought. My brother Robert, but two years older than myself, could not accompany me, for he was feeble in health and h…
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
EGW's statement about feeling unable to perform the work presented to her, followed by her willingness to do or suffer anything to help others, echoes the sentiment of Philippians 4:13, where one can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. The context of feeling inadequate but empowered by faith is present in both.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
EGW's description of her fear and lack of self-confidence directly contrasts with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7. The passage highlights the overcoming of fear through divine empowerment, aligning with the verse's message.
"I coveted death as a release from the responsibilities that were crowding upon me. At length the sweet peace I had so long enjoyed left me, and despair again pressed upon my soul. My prayers all seemed vain, and my faith was gone. Words of comfort, reproof, or encouragement were alike to me; for it seemed that no one could understand me but God, and He had forsaken me. The company of believers in Portland were ignorant concerning the exercises of my mind that had brought me into this state of despondency; but they knew that for some reason my mind had become depressed, and they felt that this was sinful on my part, considering the gracious manner in which the Lord had manifested Himself to me. 1T 63.3"
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?"
The phrase "God has forsaken me" is a direct allusion to Psalm 22:1, expressing a similar feeling of abandonment by God.
"Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;"
Both passages deal with the desire for death due to misery and bitterness of soul. While not a direct quote, the theme is similar.
"Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;"
Both passages express the act of prayer and crying out to God. EGW's passage mentions her prayers seeming vain, which aligns with the need for God to incline his ear to the cry in Psalm 88:2.