Article February 8, 1930 Issue

Surmounting Obstacles

JULIUS MORITZEN

In the experience of students of Christian Science there not infrequently comes a time when their spiritual capacity to overcome obstacles that to human sense appear to be like insurmountable stone walls, and their loyalty to divine Principle, are severely tested. To such students the ingenuity and intrepidity of the aviator may furnish a valuable lesson. Seated in his plane and bound for some distant point, the aviator is not dismayed by the thought of the high mountains that may lie across his path. He knows beforehand that there is only one right way in which to meet and solve the problem of going forward on his air journey: he must lift his plane to higher altitudes, and thus surmount the obstacles confronting him. It may be said that it should not be difficult for the airman to solve this problem, since his machine is so constructed that he has perfect control over it and can make it do his bidding. True enough! But without previous training and a knowledge of the mechanics involved the aviator could not succeed.

That the student may surmount whatever obstacles come before him, the rules of Christian Science need to be understood. Preparation is most necessary. Christ Jesus earnestly prepared himself to do his mighty works. On this point Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and author of its textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," has written on pages 44 and 45 of that precious volume: "His disciples believed Jesus to be dead while he was hidden in the sepulchre, whereas he was alive, demonstrating within the narrow tomb the power of Spirit to overrule mortal, material sense. There were rock-ribbed walls in the way, and a great stone must be rolled from the cave's mouth; but Jesus vanquished every material obstacle, overcame every law of matter, and stepped forth from his gloomy resting-place, crowned with the glory of a sublime success, an everlasting victory."

If, then, the Master found it necessary to prepare himself for his grand demonstrations, should not his followers be glad and willing so to spiritualize their thinking as to be prepared for every exigency? When problems confront the Christian Scientist, it is for him to draw upon his understanding of Truth and wisdom. If he applies what he has already learned and is earnest in his efforts, he cannot fail to be successful in the surmounting of obstacles. If not prepared to rise above his difficulties, his efforts would be like beating with the hands against a stone wall and expecting it to give way.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Surmounting Obstacles

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access