Push onward, don't run away

Do you want to “escape from it all”? Through advertisements and entertainment we’re often told that getting away from our physical surroundings is how we can finally relax and get peace of mind. 

However, there is another way. Looking at the Bible, there’s a great example of escape: I Kings 19:1-12. Elijah is told that he will be killed by the next day. He runs for his life and finds a cave. The Bible says he was “lodged in this cave.” One way to look at it was Eljah was just hiding in cave.

With inspiration there’s another way to see it: Elijah was stuck in a rut and/or paralyzed with fear.Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA

At this point God calls him out of the cave and shows him an earthquake, wind, and fire. But the Bible points out that God was not in those things. But after them, “a still small voice.” 

After this, Elijah goes forward and finds safety but also strength to do even more work. 

For me, this inspired Biblical account tells me that to accomplish something we don’t need to escape. God is with us even taking care of us. This “still small voice” speaks peace to us and strengthens us.

No matter what kind of difficult work lies before us, the strength of God’s goodness and power is upholding us. We need not run away from our problems. But rather by pushing on with persistence, and a willingness to handle what is before us, we can trust that God’s love will remove all obsticals.

Whoever would demonstrate the healing of Christian Science must abide strictly by its rules, heed every statement, and advance from the rudiments laid down. There is nothing difficult nor toilsome in this task, when the way is pointed out; but self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life.
— Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.462 

Keep your thought fresh

I know how easy it is to get stuck in the rut of a “this is the way I always do it” attitude. However, I’ve learned, and continue to learn, that when thought is kept fresh, new ideas come to mind. By thinking, questioning, and seeking spiritual inspriation from Soul, God, thought naturally remains open and alert to brighter more inspired perspectives. Being willing to evolve, learn, and grow are aspects of humility, grace, and diligence — qualities worth keeping at the forefront of thought.

In the July 2011 issue of The Christian Science Journal two excellent testimonials (“Child cured of asthma Attacks” and “Breathing difficulty stopped”) showed me the significance of being alert to new ideas, as well as the importance of perseverance when work ahead is hard, overwhelming, or seemingly impossible. These healings also show that God’s love keeps us safe when faced with difficult circumstances. And while it is our task to understand that God’s love is a constant, gentle power, it is God, Mind, who supplies this understanding. To me, Jesus’ statement, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God (Luke 18:27),” further affirms God’s loving care for us at all times. 

In her major work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Mary Baker Eddy constantly reassures readers that God’s power and love is always at hand to help and heal every difficulty or challenge we face. I love that fact! What an excellent truth to dwell upon. Along with that wonderful fact, I find it helpful to always remember that it is divine Love’s power that heals through Christian Science, and it is never about human will, or personal responsibility, to bring healing to yourself or others. The work is in being a witness for God’s power, to acknowledge divine Mind’s intelligence and to see that Mind’s perfect design — spiritually perfect man, or the Christ — is the basis from which to see other people. By holding onto this truth, and by seeking Truth, God, this is the natural way to keep thought receptive to God’s good ideas which naturally and gently makes us turn from sense to Soul.  By looking out from the senses of Soul we see that our innate goodness  is never lost  nor can it become dull; neither can our harmony regress when our individual goodness is the unchanging reflection of Soul.

When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not.

— Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.495

Persistence, lime juice, and progress

New experiences can be difficult. And if you’ve ever grappled with a healing that takes a while it may feel even harder. The good news is that progress is unavoidable — progress is a law of God.

Recently I found myself wrestling with a prolonged healing.  I knew for sure that I was learning new things. I have experienced healing over and over through Christian Science, and I’ve helped many others find healing, as well. Yet I found myself asking, “What am I learning? Am I making progress?” One night around this time my wife and I were making guacamole which requires lime juice. The two limes I bought for this purpose seemed very dry. I was tempted to drive to the store and buy two new limes. Instead, I decided to get to work. I rolled up my sleeves and really gave ‘em a squeeze! Amazingly, the limes had plenty of juice and it was enough to really give the guacamole some zing. 

What’s the connection?  

• Embrace the opportunity to get to know God better through persistent prayer. Squeeze the opportunity for all it is worth and trust that much more good will come of it, rather than giving up.
• If healing appears to take a while, hold on and be patient. Look for what is being learned, the good that is taking place, and be diligent in recording what you’re learning about God.  
• Understand that the physical senses often present the suggestion of lack, and accompanying lack comes doubt, and/or self-doubt. Also, be clear that you can never judge if healing is taking place based on what the physical senses. When relying on Christian Science love, joy, and peace are more powerful way-markers. 
• Easily replacing the doubt and fear which accompanies lack, is the infinitude and omnipotence of divine Principle, Love, who gives us strength and courage, and the wisdom to push on and expect complete healing. 
• Christian Science shows clearly that all progress is spiritually discerned, because all improvement and healing takes place in thought, through the healing power of divine Mind. When the healing takes place mentally, the body naturally comes into alignment with corrected thinking. 

Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
— Genesis 32:24-30

Whoever would demonstrate the healing of Christian Science must abide strictly by its rules, heed every statement, and advance from the rudiments laid down. There is nothing difficult nor toilsome in this task, when the way is pointed out; but self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life.
— Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.462:13