"“In the beginning, the work goes hard and slow. Now is the time when all should bend their shoulders to raise the load and carry it forward. Advance we must, though the Red Sea be before us, and impassable mountains on either hand. God has been with us and has blessed our efforts. We must work by faith. ‘The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.’ Matthew 11:12 . We are to pray, believe that our prayers are heard, and then work. LS 298.1"
"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
Ellen White directly references Matthew 11:12 in this passage.
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."
Both passages deal with facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in faith. EGW uses the Red Sea imagery to encourage perseverance, echoing the Exodus narrative.
"“The work may now seem small; but there must be a beginning before there can be any progress. ‘First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.’ The work may start in weakness, and its progress may for a time be slow; yet if it is commenced in a healthy manner, there will be a steady and substantial gain. [In confirmation of this, witness the development of the work in the Scandinavian Union Conference, at the close of 1914, to a membership of 3,807, divided into six local conferences and three missions.] A high standard should be placed before those who are newly come to the faith. They should be educated to be careful in speech and circumspect in conduct, giving evidence that the truth has accomplished something for them, and thus by their example shedding light upon those who are in darkness.... LS 298.2"
"For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."
EGW directly quotes Mark 4:28 to illustrate the gradual growth and development of a work or movement.
"“Those who have received the truth may be poor, but they should not remain ignorant or defective in character, to give the same mould, by their influence, to others. When the church fully receives the light, darkness will be dispelled; and if in holiness of character they keep pace with the truth revealed, their light will grow brighter and brighter. The truth will do its refining work, restoring the moral image of God in man, and the darkness and confusion and strife of tongues which is the curse of so many churches, will cease. The power that God will give to His church, if they will only walk in the light as fast as it shines upon them, is scarcely conceived of. LS 298.3"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of believers reflecting light and goodness to the world, leading to positive transformation.