"The childhood, youth, and manhood of John had been characterized by firmness and moral power. When his voice was heard in the wilderness saying, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” ( Matthew 3:3 ), Satan feared for the safety of his kingdom. The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such a manner that men trembled. Satan's power over many who had been under his control was broken. He had been unwearied in his efforts to draw away the Baptist from a life of unreserved surrender to God; but he had failed. And he had failed to overcome Jesus. In the temptation in the wilderness, Satan had been defeated, and his rage was great. Now he determined to bring sorrow upon Christ by striking John. The One whom he could not entice to sin he would cause to suffer. DA 224.1"
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 3:3, which itself is a quote from Isaiah 40:3, and connects it to John the Baptist's ministry.
"For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
Ellen White directly references Matthew 3:3 in this passage.
Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission. Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience! DA 224.2 Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which “is hid with Christ in God,” the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3 . He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed …
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
Ellen White directly references Colossians 3:3 in this passage.
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
The EGW passage directly discusses suffering for Christ's sake, echoing the sentiment in Philippians 1:29. The context of John the Baptist's martyrdom provides a concrete example of this principle.
"To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end.” Matthew 28:20 , R. V., margin. DA 224.4"
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Ellen White directly references Matthew 28:20 in this passage.
"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29 . And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor. DA 224.5"
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
Ellen White directly references Philippians 1:29 in this passage.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
The EGW passage directly quotes and applies Philippians 1:29, connecting it to the idea that suffering for Christ is a gift and honor. While Romans 8:28 is a valid verse, Philippians 1:29 is the verse being used.