"The way providentially opened for me to go to the eastern part of Maine. Brother Wm. Jordan was going on business to Orrington, accompanied by his sister, and I was urged to go with them. As I had promised the Lord to walk in the path He opened before me, I dared not refuse. The Spirit of God attended the message I bore at this place; hearts were made glad in the truth, and the desponding ones were cheered and encouraged to renew their faith. LS 73.1"
"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them."
Both passages describe a situation where a path opens up for someone to preach the gospel, and they follow that path, believing it to be divinely ordained. The EGW passage speaks of a 'way providentially opened,' mirroring Paul's vision and subsequent journey to Macedonia. The emphasis on following God's leading is a strong parallel.
"who were present. I declared that they were deceived in thinking that they were actuated by the Spirit of God. My testimony was very displeasing to these persons and their sympathizers. LS 73.4"
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
The EGW passage describes a situation where she is discerning spirits, which directly relates to the principle outlined in 1 John 4:1 to 'try the spirits.'
"Soon after this I returned to Portland, having borne the testimony that God had given me, and experiencing His approbation at every step. LS 73.5"
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
Both passages describe the individual bearing testimony and experiencing God's approval. The thematic parallel is that both EGW and Paul are fulfilling their calling and experiencing divine affirmation.