At this time I was shown that the Lord had been trying us for our good, and to prepare us to labor for others; that He had been stirring up our nest, lest we should settle down at ease. Our work was to labor for souls; if we had been prospered, home would be so pleasant that we would be unwilling to leave it; trials had been permitted to come upon us to prepare us for the still greater conflicts that we would meet in our travels. We soon received letters from brethren in different states inviting us to visit them; but we had no means to take us out of the state. Our reply was that the way was not open before us. I thought that it would be impossible for me to travel with my child. We did not wish to be dependent, and were careful to live within our means. We were resolved to suffer rather than get in debt. I allowed myself and child one pint of milk each day. One morning before my husband went to his work, he left me nine cents to buy milk for three mornings. It was a study with me whe…
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
The EGW passage describes trials and hardships being permitted by God for the purpose of preparing them for future work, which aligns with the principle of God chastening those He loves as described in Hebrews 12:6.
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
The EGW passage describes experiencing trials to prepare for future ministry, which has a parallel to 2 Corinthians 1:4, where comfort received in tribulation enables one to comfort others.
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
The EGW passage describes enduring trials and preparing for ministry, which aligns with the exhortation in 2 Timothy 4:5 to endure afflictions and do the work of an evangelist.
"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:"
The EGW passage describes being prepared for a specific mission, similar to Paul's calling in Acts 9:15. Both involve divine preparation for a specific purpose.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage describes prioritizing ministry even in times of hardship, which reflects the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God as described in Matthew 6:33.