My husband left the railroad, and with his ax went into the woods to chop cordwood. With a continual pain in his side, he worked from early morning till dark to earn about fifty cents a day. He was prevented from sleeping nights by severe pain. We endeavored to keep up good courage, and trust in the Lord. I did not murmur. In the morning I felt grateful to God that He had preserved us through another night, and at night I was thankful that He had kept us through another day. One day when our provisions were gone, my husband went to his employer to get money or provisions. It was a stormy day, and he walked three miles and back in the rain. He brought home on his back a bag of provisions tied in different compartments, having in this manner passed through the village of Brunswick, where he had often lectured. As he entered the house, very weary, my heart sank within me. My first feelings were that God had forsaken us. I said to my husband: “Have we come to this? Has the Lord left us?” I…
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
The EGW passage describes a conscious effort to maintain gratitude despite hardship, aligning with the principle of giving thanks in all circumstances as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The specific mention of gratitude in the morning and evening further strengthens the connection.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:"
The EGW passage describes a situation where the author initially forgets God's benefits in a time of hardship, contrasting with the Psalmist's call to remember them. The initial despair followed by gratitude echoes the sentiment of remembering God's past faithfulness.
"Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
The EGW passage describes a moment of doubt where the author questions if God has forsaken them. This contrasts with the assurance in Psalm 121:4 that God never slumbers or sleeps, implying constant watchfulness and care. The connection lies in the implied contrast between perceived abandonment and God's unwavering presence.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
The EGW passage describes a moment of despair and questioning God's presence amidst hardship. Philippians 4:6 encourages prayer and thanksgiving in all circumstances, which is the opposite of the initial reaction described by EGW. While the passage shows a contrast, it highlights the importance of the principle in Philippians.