"The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God to the close of time. The record of God's dealings with the wanderers of the desert in all their marchings to and fro, in their exposure to hunger, thirst, and weariness, and in the striking manifestations of His power for their relief, is fraught with warning and instruction for His people in all ages. The varied experience of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their promised home in Canaan. God would have His people in these days review with a humble heart and teachable spirit the trials through which ancient Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their preparation for the heavenly Canaan. PP 293.1"
"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
Both passages highlight the importance of learning from the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness as a lesson for believers. The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Corinthians 10:11, applying it specifically to the wilderness wanderings.
"Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into strait places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them. Though their present needs are supplied, many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant anxiety lest poverty shall come upon them, and their children shall be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter, instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and repining. PP 293.2"
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Both passages address the issue of anxiety and lack of trust in God's provision. Matthew 6:34 advises against worrying about the future, while EGW criticizes those who, like the Israelites, constantly worry about poverty and future suffering, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's provision.