The Phenomena of a Passive Mind 527
do not so naturally vanish. All unnatural loss of memory suggests the
subtle attack of Satan’s hosts. Many Christians undergo this kind of
assault. How many endeavors are destroyed by this. And how many
jokes are inspired by this forgetfulness. Confidence and usefulness
are damaged.
Another phenomenon can be noticed: a believer usually may
possess a fine memory, but at various critical moments it
unexpectedly fails. His mind seems to have faltered abruptly and he
cannot remember anything, plunging him into great difficulties. Such
sudden cessation of this function of the mind may appear to be
mystifying to him but he may interpret it to be the result of a
temporary deficiency in physical strength, something which can
happen once in a while. What he does not comprehend is that this is a
symptom of his mind undergoing an attack of evil spirits.
Lack of ConcentrationSatan’s minions often interfere with the Christian’s power of
mental concentration. We acknowledge that different individuals
possess varying degrees of this power. Yet from our observations of
the experiences of Christians we note that this power in most of them
has suffered a greater or lesser degree of loss through the dissipating
work of evil spirits. Some appear to be totally powerless to
concentrate when trying to think; others are better but their thoughts
take flight everywhere after but a few moments of concentration on a
particular matter. Especially during times of prayer, Bible reading, or
listening to messages do Christians discover their thoughts
wandering. Although they will to concentrate, they fail to do so.
They may succeed for a short while in arresting their galloping
thoughts by their will, but such an effect does not last long.
Sometimes they lose all control. It is obviously the enemy who is at
work. The reason for the devil’s exertions lies in the fact that the
believer has made provision in his mind for the evil spirits. What a