Article May 30, 1931 Issue

Holding Steadfast

JUSTINE ROBERTS

A subtle temptation, regarding which the student of Christian Science needs to be alert, is that of becoming discouraged over seemingly delayed healings. Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 22): "Wait for your reward, and 'be not weary in well doing.' If your endeavors are beset by fearful odds, and you receive no present reward, go not back to error, nor become a sluggard in the race." And in the next paragraph she adds, "Love means that we shall be tried and purified."

The admonition to "wait for your reward" inspires courage in the heart of the student of Christian Science, for it assures fruition and encourages us to continue in our good works without becoming wearied while waiting for the certain reward. When through faith in God we continue to look for a complete healing, never wavering, the smoke of battle must clear away, and we shall then receive according to our demonstration of the power of Mind over wrong thinking. Our final deliverance is not gained by following a smooth route, nor by depending entirely upon someone else for the working out of our problems; we ourselves must have faith and perseverance to climb over the rough bowlders and jagged rocks of mortal belief. "The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." The master Christian made his triumphant demonstration over the cruelest beliefs that error ever assumed, even to the destruction of "the last enemy"—death.

Thomas was forced to acknowledge that Jesus had overcome death. He declared that unless some definite sign were given him he would not believe in the risen Lord. Afterward Jesus lovingly rebuked him, saying, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." So we may say, Blessed are they who can face the onslaughts of evil, knowing that there the allness of God is manifested, and work on trustingly while waiting for the right to hold aloft the banner of victory. We must be "tried and purified;" and it is possible to be joyously willing to be "tried," that is, prove our sincerity and trust in God's mercy and power, knowing that the purification thus gained must result in perfect healing and harmony.

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