There is nothing more common, in an early life of faith, than for the enemy to watch the onset of besetting sin, and to work upon that and, if possible, in some way or other to enforce the absolute necessity of being found in the full exercise of it, covered with the name of godly fear.
For instance, if I am naturally lazy, the enemy will soon impress me (but all in a wrong aspect) with such truths as these – I can do nothing; I cannot quicken my own soul; I must wait God’s time: I must not be impatient. Thus the poor creature, before he well knows his right hand from his left, has these doubts put upon his conscience to hoodwink him in every way of life: and he is so bewildered as not to see nor to suspect the snare.
Waiting upon God is a very active principle, and so is waiting for Him; and he that waits in the Spirit will leave no stone unturned till he is fully satisfied the Lord is directing him. Would you know who is the man that is not actuated by godly fear, and makes not God his refuge? It is he who sits still, and vainly imagines that matters will come right, and makes no use of God’s appointed means. Such an one not only meets with disappointment, but is surrounded with spiritual death, darkness, and confusion of mind: and is not aware of its being the consequence of that slothful inactive spirit which binds him down to the earth.
James Bourne
