J. N. Darby · Consciousness of the will of God and strength for action

There is yet an important practical rule to be recognised in these words, "Have not I commanded thee?" (chap. 1: 9). If we are not conscious that we are doing the will of God — if, before we begin to act, we have not assured ourselves of this in His presence, we shall have no courage in performing it. Perhaps indeed what we are doing is the will of God; but, not being conscious of this, we act with hesitation, without confidence, without joy; we are repulsed by the smallest opposition, whilst, when we are assured of doing His will, and that He has said, "Have not I commanded thee?" nothing, through grace, can alarm us.