Article February 19, 1927 Issue

Going Forward

MARTHA E. JERAULD

In times of distress, of sorrow, sickness, or lack, the human heart turns to God for guidance and help. This, however, is not usually done until all material ways have been tried and found inadequate to bring back the comfort and freedom previously enjoyed. Material remedies are sought, but fail to restore health; the efforts of friends to comfort in times of sorrow are found to be futile. Then, indeed, one cries out to his God. Mary Baker Eddy, who learned the way through difficulties manifold, writes on page 322 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Christian Science textbook, "The sharp experiences of belief in the supposititious life of matter, as well as our disappointments and ceaseless woes, turn us like tired children to the arms of divine Love." This turning to the Father in times of sore need will always draw a quick response, for "man's extremity is God's opportunity."

If one will but heed the answer from God to this cry of distress, he will find the sure way out of all mortal troubles. This answer may not come in the way of one's own planning, but often in an unexpected manner. The first step once taken, however, every right step thereafter will be a going forward. In fact, if one is listening with the full intent to obey the voice of God, even though the way may seem dark and hard, he will begin going forward; and that moment he begins to come out of bondage. Continued obedience will certainly bring complete freedom.

The command to go forward was given by God to Moses, who had been chosen to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Their servitude had become very hard, and all efforts on their part to lighten their burdens in some material way not only had failed, but had crowded them into greater hardships. Then they turned to God alone for deliverance. When the call came to Moses, he had great difficulty in getting started. He thought he could see many reasons why such a task should have been given to another, and not to him. To every excuse offered by Moses, there came but one answer from God, and that was to go forward. His obedience to this command brought him step by step to the point where his preparation was complete.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"Praise ye the Lord"