"My husband and myself felt the need of drawing near to God. And as by confession and prayer we drew near to God, we had the blessed assurance that He drew near to us. Precious, exceedingly precious, were these seasons of communion with God. LS 169.1"
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
The EGW passage directly echoes the wording and concept of James 4:8, indicating a clear connection and reliance on the biblical text.
"The first five weeks of our affliction we spent at our own home. For wise purposes our heavenly Father did not see fit to raise my husband to immediate health in answer to our earnest prayers, although He seemed preciously near to comfort and sustain us by His Holy Spirit. LS 169.2"
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Both passages deal with the theme of unanswered prayer for healing and finding strength in God's grace despite continued affliction. Paul's experience and God's response in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 resonate with the situation described in the EGW passage.
"case; and we felt that it might be duty to take him to Dansville, N. Y., where he could rest, and where we could have the care of those well skilled as hydropathic physicians. We dared not follow our own judgment, but asked counsel of God, and after prayerful consideration of the matter, decided to go. My husband endured the journey well. LS 169.3"
"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 illustrates the principle of seeking God's guidance and not relying solely on one's own understanding, as advocated in Proverbs 3:5-6. The decision to seek counsel from God before making a medical decision aligns with the proverb's teaching.