"In later years, as these plans were carried out more or less fully by brethren in responsibility, Mrs. White on many occasions rejoiced in the success that was crowning the efforts of an army of workers whose preparation for service had been gained in strong training centers in North America, Europe, and Australasia. LS 387.1"
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
Both passages acknowledge the role of different individuals in contributing to a larger work, with God ultimately providing the success. 1 Corinthians 3:6 uses the analogy of planting and watering, while the EGW passage speaks of workers trained in different centers contributing to the overall mission.
And great was Mrs. White's rejoicing when the reports from our missionaries in China indicated that the Lord was going before our workers in that land in a special manner, and preparing the hearts of the heathen for the reception of present truth. As God opened the way in fields that in former years had been difficult to enter, she urged the brethren in responsibility to do all in their power to cooperate with the heavenly agencies manifestly at work in the dark places of earth. At the same time she continued to encourage those having to do with institutional work, to hold before the youth in training the high ideals for which our denominational institutions have ever stood, and to redouble their efforts to train many workers to enter the fields whitening unto the harvest. Thus the home land, whether in America, in Europe, in Australasia, or in other favored lands, was to be linked closely with the regions beyond; and all the agencies established for the advancement of the cause of God…
"I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:"
Both passages highlight God's active role in preparing the way for His message to be received. Isaiah 45:2 speaks of God going before and making the crooked places straight, while the EGW passage speaks of God preparing the hearts of the heathen and opening the way in difficult fields.