A simple but profound key to obtaining and maintaining stability in life is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, not on others. Hebrews 12:1,2 clearly spells it out,
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (NKJV).
Looking to anything other than Jesus will only ensnare us.
Jesus reveals a tremendous promise and the pathway that leads us into discipleship. The Wuest translation provides the most descriptive version. It reads:
“If you maintain a living communion with me and my words are at home in you, I command you to ask, at once, something for yourself, whatever your heart desires, and it will become yours. In this my Father is glorified, namely, that you are bearing much fruit. So shall you become my disciples” (John 15:7,8).
Authentic fruitfulness in life is possible only by a continuous living relationship in the Holy Spirit. Deep communion comes out of our union with Him. The strength of redemption is released through this deep relationship.
We can begin to stir up the various facets of God’s anointing and know the direction He is leading us. His desires will become clearer in us. Then they will become our desires as a result of our closeness with Him. They are not desires of our flesh or mind. They spring up from within our hearts. We can know what God is speaking to us by giving attention to the desires of our heart.
God speaks in many ways. He speaks through visions and dreams, through His prophets and ministers, through His written Word, even audibly at times. He speaks Spirit to spirit, and also He speaks through desires.
He places a desire within our hearts, and then He inspires us to ask for it. In that way, He can give us whatever our hearts desire because He has initiated it. A disciple who brings glory to the Father God is one who is following the leading of the Holy Spirit. He seeks to do those things which please God. He listens for the counsel and knowledge of the Spirit that he may demonstrate the power of God to the watching world.
Notice Psalm 31:19 from the New Living Translation: “How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.” The world is watching and waiting for God’s people to demonstrate His goodness. When they see it demonstrated in our lives, they will turn to Him. It is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance (see Romans 2:4).
The Holy Spirit is drawing and lifting us into a proactive involvement with Him. His wisdom, His counsel, and His might will wash through us so we can flow with Him and bear much fruit. Yes, fruit that will benefit our lives, but also for the benefit of those watching us.
