Those who have a heart to follow God's lead must be diligent to keep themselves focused upon His grace.

Grace grows as you come before the throne of God and enter His presence. There you must absorb His love and attitude. You take on His character and compassion. He will impart to you His very heart to share with others.

It is in this new relationship of following Jesus that you keep yourself strong and secure. You will live by the strength of His deposits within your heart. They are deposits of His character that, when nurtured, become the fruit of the Spirit flowing out of your inner being.

Again to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul describes these expressions of the Spirit life: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." (Gal. 5:22-23 NAS).

The real question is, do we really want to follow Him? Do we honestly want His will? Will we turn from manipulating for what we want - to trusting Him and His ways?

Most would deny that they are going their own way. But precious few are actually being led by God in the paths of righteousness. Isaiah 53:6 says: "All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him" (NAS).

Jesus has given you an entrance to the throne of grace to obtain all the strength and resources you need. Enter by faith and receive from Him. He reached out to pick you up if you have fallen from grace.

Source: Grace Power Beyond Your Ability by Dennis Burke
Excerpt permission granted by Dennis Burke Ministries