"Let the child and the youth be taught that every mistake, every fault, every difficulty, conquered, becomes a stepping-stone to better and higher things. It is through such experiences that all who have ever made life worth the living have achieved success. Ed 296.1"
"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."
Both passages speak to the idea that difficulties and challenges can ultimately lead to positive outcomes for those who love God. However, Romans 8:28 is broader, encompassing all things, while the EGW quote focuses on individual mistakes and difficulties. Thus, it's a thematic parallel rather than a direct principle.
"“All common things, each day's events, That with the hour begin and end, Our pleasures and our discontents, Are rounds by which we may ascend.” Ed 296.4"
"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, though a quote from an unknown source, aligns strongly with the sentiment of Romans 8:28. Both suggest that even seemingly mundane or negative experiences can contribute to a greater good for those who love God. The confidence is high due to the clear resonance of the idea.
"We are to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 . The exchange we make in the denial of selfish desires and inclinations is an exchange of the worthless and transitory for the precious and enduring. This is not sacrifice, but infinite gain. Ed 296.5"
"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Ellen White directly references 2 Corinthians 4:18 in this passage.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
The EGW passage directly quotes 2 Corinthians 4:18 and then elaborates on the principle of focusing on eternal, unseen things rather than temporal, seen things. This aligns with the concept of laying up treasures in heaven instead of on earth, making it an explicit allusion and thematic parallel.
“Something better” is the watchword of education, the law of all true living. Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its stead something better. Often the youth cherish objects, pursuits, and pleasures that may not appear to be evil, but that fall short of the highest good. They divert the life from its noblest aim. Arbitrary measures or direct denunciation may not avail in leading these youth to relinquish that which they hold dear. Let them be directed to something better than display, ambition, or self-indulgence. Bring them in contact with truer beauty, with loftier principles, and with nobler lives. Lead them to behold the One “altogether lovely.” When once the gaze is fixed upon Him, the life finds its center. The enthusiasm, the generous devotion, the passionate ardor, of the youth find here their true object. Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life's highest ambition and its greatest joy. Ed 2…
"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."
Both passages convey the idea that renouncing something for Christ results in receiving something better in return. Matthew 19:29 speaks of forsaking earthly possessions for Christ's sake and receiving a hundredfold and everlasting life. The EGW quote echoes this principle, stating that whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers something better in its stead.