Eknath Easwaran's Commentary
Assessing his own inner resources and finding them meager, Augustine strikes a humble bargain with the Lord that has endeared him to spiritual aspirants down the ages. He says, “I’ll do whatever you like, Lord. I’ll overcome the most towering passion. But only if you make it possible.”
It would be poor sportsmanship indeed if the Lord were to throw us into the arena of life, loose the lions upon us, and then leave us to our own devices. But this is not his way. When he sends us a temptation, he also grants the weapons with which to resist it. By moving closer to the Lord in meditation, by calling on him with the mantram, by striving to carry out all the disciplines that wise spiritual counselors have recommended through their own lives, we can gradually ally ourselves with the Lord so completely that we have access to everything that is his. We learn love without limit, courage without fail, wisdom that can penetrate the toughest problems life offers.