"Educated workers who are consecrated to God can do service in a greater variety of ways and can accomplish more extensive work than can those who are uneducated. Their discipline of mind places them on vantage ground. But those who have neither great talents nor extensive education may minister acceptably to others. God will use men who are willing to be used. It is not the most brilliant or the most talented persons whose work produces the greatest and most lasting results. Men and women are needed who have heard a message from heaven. The most effective workers are those who respond to the invitation, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me.” Matthew 11:29 . MH 150.1"
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Ellen White directly references Matthew 11:29 in this passage.
"It is heart missionaries that are needed. He whose heart God touches is filled with a great longing for those who have never known His love. Their condition impresses him with a sense of personal woe. Taking his life in his hand, he goes forth, a heaven-sent, heaven-inspired messenger, to do a work in which angels can co-operate. MH 150.2"
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Isaiah 6:8, where Isaiah volunteers to be sent by God. Both passages emphasize the willingness to be a messenger of God, driven by a sense of divine calling and compassion.
"If those to whom God has entrusted great talents of intellect put these gifts to a selfish use, they will be left, after a period of trial, to follow their own way. God will take men who do not appear to be so richly endowed, who have not large self-confidence, and He will make the weak strong, because they trust in Him to do for them that which they cannot do for themselves. God will accept the wholehearted service, and will Himself make up the deficiencies. MH 150.3"
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;"
Both passages emphasize God's preference for using those who are seemingly weak or lacking in worldly talents, empowering them to accomplish His purposes. The EGW passage expands on this theme by contrasting it with those who misuse their talents. The connection is clear and significant.
"The Lord has often chosen for His colaborers men who have had opportunity to obtain but a limited school education. These men have applied their powers most diligently, and the Lord has rewarded their fidelity to His work, their industry, their thirst for knowledge. He has witnessed their tears and heard their prayers. As His blessing came to the captives in the courts of Babylon, so does He give wisdom and knowledge to His workers today. MH 150.4"
"As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
Both passages connect divine favor with the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom, particularly for those serving God. The EGW passage explicitly mentions God's blessing and giving wisdom, echoing the core idea in Daniel 1:17.
"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."
Both passages address the idea of receiving wisdom from God. The EGW passage speaks of God rewarding diligence and answering prayers with wisdom, while James 1:5 encourages asking God for wisdom. The connection is thematic, focusing on the availability of divine wisdom through prayer and faithfulness.