"Make N o Man Your Confessor Every one needs a practical experience in trusting God for himself. Let no man become your confessor; open the heart to God; tell Him every secret of the soul. Bring to Him your difficulties, small and great, and He will show you a way out of them all. He alone can know how to give the very help you need. GW 418"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Both passages encourage direct communication with God for relief from burdens. Matthew 11:28 is an invitation to come to Jesus for rest, while the EGW passage applies this principle to personal confession and seeking guidance.
"The presidents of the State conferences have the same God that the president of the General Conference has, and they may go to the Source of wisdom for themselves, instead of depending upon one man, who has to obtain his light from the same source. GW 418.1"
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
The EGW passage encourages individuals to seek wisdom directly from God, echoing the principle found in James 1:5, which states that God gives wisdom liberally to those who ask.
"It may be argued that the Lord gives special wisdom to those entrusted with important responsibilities. True, if they walk humbly with Him, He will give them help for their work; and He will give you help for yours, if you seek it in the same spirit. If the Lord in His providence has placed important responsibilities upon you, He will fit you to bear these burdens, if you go to Him in faith for strength to do this. When you put your trust in Him, and depend upon His counsel, He will not leave you to your own finite judgment, to make imperfect plans and decided failures. GW 418.2"
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The EGW passage emphasizes trusting in God and seeking His help, reflecting the principle in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises against relying on one's own understanding and acknowledging God in all ways.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Both passages emphasize relying on God for strength and ability to fulfill responsibilities. Philippians 4:13 is a concise statement of this principle, while the EGW passage elaborates on the conditions and benefits of trusting in God's help.