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        Sometimes grace does not appear in a form that we may recognize.  It may arrive unseen, like the sweet dew at dawn.  Grace may burst upon us like waves in a torrent of joy, or it may knock at our door wearing a disguise  -  a blessing hidden in the clothes of misfortune.

        Grace manifests in many ways.  Protection from accidents or disasters is one of the most startling ways in which it might appear.  But we may not always be aware when we have been saved from calamity.  We do not know what losses or injuries we might have suffered but for divine intervention.

        Through steady spiritual practice we may have earned unknown respite from at least some of the results of our past actions.  Many instances are recorded of devotees who have been saved from obvious and imminent disaster by Sathya Sai Baba.  Such is the power of the Lord's grace and the importance of following his precepts.  Baba protects and guides his devotees safely along the surest path.

                    " The most desirable form of wealth is the grace of God.  He will guard you, even

                       as the lids guard the eye.  Do not doubt this. "           ~ Sathya Sai Speaks 4, p.190

        Many obstacles to our spiritual progress are better overcome than avoided.  Only when an obstacle is surmounted may we pass to the next test.  The course of events is best left to the Lord.  He knows the safest course for each aspirant.  If we rely on the Lord, we will come to no harm.

                    " Rely on the grace of God:  earn it and keep it.  Then whatever the strength of

                      the storm, you can survive it without harm. "            ~ Sathya Sai Speaks 4, p.364

        Divine grace does not always appear when or as we might wish.  When we strive to advance spiritually, we must confront the obstacles which block our way.  The best course may be to experience the pain or suffering, which cleanses us.  The process may be painful, but sometimes pain benefits us the most.

                        " It is grace.  Those who suffer have my grace.  Only through suffering will they

                          be persuaded to turn inward and make the inquiry.  And without turning inward

                          and making inquiry, they can never escape misery. "      ~ Conversations, p.110

        When grace affords us an opportunity to atone for past actions, we may experience pain and loss.  However, the grace of God lessens the pain and reduces the loss.  The suffering may be essential for our growth and so we must experience it.  The Lord's grace reduces our burden.

                        " When a severe pain torments you, the doctor gives you a morphine injection

                           and you do not feel the pain, though it is there in the body.  Grace is like the

                           morphine: the pain is not felt, though you go through it!     Grace takes away

                           the malignity of the karma which you have to undergo....."  ~ Sathya Sai Speaks 4,p.154

        Although the burden of past actions may have to be endured, the grace of God minimizes the pain, or may even eliminate it.  Karma is not an insurmountable obstacle.  When we exert our best efforts, the Lord reduces the obstacle to a size that we can bear.

                          " You may say that the burden of past acts and their inevitable consequences

                            have to be borne, but the grace of the Lord can burn that burden in a flash....."

                                                                                                        ~  Sathya Sai Speaks 4, p.356

        Grace may manifest in the devotee as noble or virtuous character.  Such character is the most important grace to obtain.  Without it all good fortune would yield little benefit.  The greatest grace is that which makes us virtuous  -  and selflessly loving.

                          " No more can any faculty of yours hinder your progress.  He will orient all of your

                            faculties towards the highest goal: the senses, the mind, the subconscious, the

                            unconscious, the intelligence  -  all.   Grace will confer all you need. "

                                                                                                          ~ Sathya Sai Speaks 6, p.76

Taken from:

Pathways to God  ~

based on the Teachings of Sathya Sai Baba

Om Sai Ram  ~  Shared with Love