"Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you. Fate has not woven its meshes about any human being so firmly that he need remain helpless and in uncertainty. Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances. COL 331.4 Be ambitious, for the Master's glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs in this our day. COL 332.1"
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Both passages emphasize striving towards a goal with effort and determination. EGW's 'ladder of progress' and 'mark high' echoes Paul's 'press toward the mark'.
"Stand like Daniel, that faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint Him who so loved you that He gave His own life to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 . Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer. COL 332.2"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Ellen White directly references John 15:5 in this passage.
"Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him."
Both passages highlight Daniel's faithfulness and integrity under pressure. EGW uses Daniel as an example of someone who could not be corrupted, directly reflecting the sentiment in Daniel 6:4.
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Both passages speak of overcoming challenges through God's love and power. EGW's 'turn defeat into victory' aligns with Romans 8:37's 'more than conquerors through him that loved us'.