Grant
Puritan Board Graduate
Some solid reminders from Brakel in my reading today as I am within 100 pages of finishing Volume II:
Regarding a reminder about our own strength, pg. 607:
Regarding our own hearts, pg. 608:
Waiting on God’s promises in HIS timing, pg. 630:
May we rest in His promises, for He is always faithful, pg. 635:
Regarding a reminder about our own strength, pg. 607:
A believer, a converted person, who now desires to increase in this life must carefully guard against any notions about his own strength. Instead, he must habitually endeavor to discern his impotence, for then he will be more dependent upon the Lord in every deed. He will then gratefully acknowledge every good thought, be kept from much falling into sin, avoid many temptations, and be steadfast in the ways of the Lord.
Regarding our own hearts, pg. 608:
Furthermore, take note of your heart and deeds and observe:
(1) How impotent you are to do anything aright—to do it by faith, in union with Christ as one‟s life and strength. You are impotent to comply with the law as being the will of God—incapable of doing so out of pure love, to the honor of God, and without inclination toward a seeking of self.
(2) Consider how the heart is repulsed by that which is spiritual, how difficult and troublesome it is for the unregenerate old nature to live in the presence of and continual communion with God, and how inclined it is to the world. It seems as if the old nature is naturally inclined to rest and delight in these thoughts. This is an indication that the old nature is here in its element and that spiritual life is thus supernatural, having been wrought, not by them, but by an almighty power.
Waiting on God’s promises in HIS timing, pg. 630:
God may possibly have decreed a long period of time between the initial moment when the desire concerning a certain matter arose in your heart and the moment of fulfillment. Abraham had the promise that he would have a son from Sarah; the fulfillment was so long in coming, however, that it was no longer probable. What a long time span there was ere David received the kingdom! Zacharias had long before prayed for a son in his youth and his prayer was heard in his old age. We must thus not always expect the promised matter as soon as the promise comes to mind, nor should we become discouraged if it is not fulfilled immediately; instead, patient waiting is necessary at such a time.
May we rest in His promises, for He is always faithful, pg. 635:
How frequently we must thank the Lord for not giving us our desire, subsequently perceiving that it would not have been good for us! Therefore, believe the promises, expect their fulfillment, and joyfully leave the time, measure, and manner to the Lord. You will then trust as a child and be established. Take the following text to heart: “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord” (Ps 107:43).