The main difficulty, therefore, is not in our work, but in
ourselves; in the conflict with our own unbelief, in the form either of
indolence or of self-dependence. When faith is really brought into action, the
extent and aggravation of the difficulty (even were it increase an hundred-fold)
is a matter of little comparative moment. Difficulties heaped upon difficulties
can never rise to the level of the promises of God. To meet the trembling
apprehensions—“Who is sufficient for these things?” the answer is ready—“Our
sufficiency is of God.” There is a link in the chain of moral causes and
effects, which connects the helplessness of the creature with the Omnipotence
of God, and encourages the creature to attempt every thing in the conscious
inability to do any thing: and thus “in weakness” thoroughly felt, Divine
“strength is made perfect. “ It is equally important to feel our abasement, and
to maintain it with a corresponding high; let us realize our weakness and
strength at the same moment; let their be a remembrance, as well as a present
exercise of faith.
--Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, page 175-176
