"Many are the lessons that may thus be learned. Self-reliance, from the tree that, growing alone on plain or mountainside, strikes down its roots deep into the earth, and in its rugged strength defies the tempest. The power of early influence, from the gnarled, shapeless trunk, bent as a sapling, to which no earthly power can afterward restore its lost symmetry. The secret of a holy life, from the water lily, that, on the bosom of some slimy pool, surrounded by weeds and rubbish, strikes down its channeled stem to the pure sands beneath, and, drawing thence its life, lifts up its fragrant blossoms to the light in spotless purity. Ed 119.1"
"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Both passages use lilies as an example of something positive. Jesus uses them to illustrate God's care, while EGW uses the water lily to illustrate the secret of a holy life. The connection is thematic, although EGW's interpretation is more specific.
"Thus while the children and youth gain a knowledge of facts from teachers and textbooks, let them learn to draw lessons and discern truth for themselves. In their gardening, question them as to what they learn from the care of their plants. As they look on a beautiful landscape, ask them why God clothed the fields and woods with such lovely and varied hues. Why was not all colored a somber brown? When they gather the flowers, lead them to think why He spared us the beauty of these wanderers from Eden. Teach them to notice the evidences everywhere manifest in nature of God's thought for us, the wonderful adaptation of all things to our need and happiness. Ed 119.2"
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
Both passages emphasize learning about God through nature. Romans 1:20 states that God's invisible qualities are understood through creation, while the EGW passage encourages using nature as a tool for teaching children about God's character and care. The EGW passage provides practical examples of how to apply the principle found in Romans 1:20.
"He alone who recognizes in nature his Father's handiwork, who in the richness and beauty of the earth reads the Father's handwriting—he alone learns from the things of nature their deepest lessons, and receives their highest ministry. Only he can fully appreciate the significance of hill and vale, river and sea, who looks upon them as an expression of the thought of God, a revelation of the Creator. Ed 119.3"
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Both passages highlight the idea that nature reveals God's glory and handiwork. Psalm 19:1 declares that the heavens proclaim God's glory, while the EGW passage emphasizes recognizing God's handiwork in nature and understanding it as an expression of His thought. The connection is a clear thematic parallel.