Mortals who lack an understanding of God as omnipresent sometimes complain that existence is composed of an unending series of trials and tribulations. From the depths of their discouragement they echo the words of Job, "I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; but trouble cometh" (Am. Rev. Ver.). The Psalmist, however, in perfect confidence sang, "Try me, and know my thoughts," indicating his humble desire to have his thoughts purified in accordance with the law of progress. The difference here becomes apparent between two conditions which are sometimes considered as the same, but which are really quite unlike.

We read in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 66), "Trials are proofs of God's care." Trials, therefore, are to be used as opportunities whereby we may demonstrate the allness of God through overcoming every condition adverse to good. Progress comes through trials or tests rightly met, for all progress comes as a result of an improved state of consciousness which is manifested in our daily life in proportion as it becomes habitual to our thought.

Even as a bird may try its wings first from branch to branch in the same tree, then to the next tree, and finally out into the freedom of the open air to distant parts, so by use of our improved thinking may we give wing to our aspirations and overcome the errors of material sense. Progress is a continual rising above limitations which lay claim to reality, as fear, doubt, selfishness, desire for temporary ease, poverty, sin, or sickness. As their nothingness is revealed to us through spiritual understanding, we shall replace them with love, confidence, charitableness, health, and peace—righteous qualities all. Certainly we shall not succeed in overcoming error if we sit idly by and contemplate untoward circumstances. A young bird does not preen its wings only to remain on the branch. It makes a trial flight and the victory is won; for then comes the joy of flying yet greater distances. And we, turning to the sustaining power of divine Mind, can prove that "right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action" (Science and Health, p. 454).

The suggestion may come that we are not capable of making the trial just now; that we should wait until another has opened the way. But through the teachings of Christian Science, based on the life and works of Christ Jesus, the Way-shower to all mankind, it has already been made plain that all things are possible to those who follow in his path; that faith, coupled with an understanding of God's ever-operative law, will make straight the way. Error may argue that there is no use in making the trial to rise higher in demonstration, for there is nothing to be gained thereby; conditions would be different, but no more secure. This is a false argument, for the opposite is true. Greater courage will be ours as we meet each test, and an uplifted spirit will lead us joyfully on to view a broader horizon.

Thus understood, then, trials are not the same as troubles. While always encouraging the trial of one's understanding toward the achievement of greater wisdom, Christ Jesus cautioned, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me," indicating that distress, grief, and worry come from mortal mind. They are the result of mortal seeming, and Job described mortal man as "of few days, and full of trouble." Erroneous arguments are to be ruled out of consciousness and shunned as enemies to progress, for in whatever garb they may appear they are not constructive means toward the establishment of the kingdom of God in our consciousness. Troubles in themselves never contain any inherent element of good. But the trials or tests, in which troubles are overcome, can be proved to be joyous occasions for proving God's care; and we shall not fail, if our trial or effort to prove the truth is made in accordance with the law of God as revealed step by step in the teachings of Christian Science.

Thus understood, a trial is not a headlong plunge into the uncharted abyss of thought, for a blind trust that we shall somehow arrive victoriously at the solution of a problem is not the way to success. There is an appropriate lesson to be gained from the flight of the airplane which today explores realms hitherto unseen by men. It is not sufficient that one have a plane which has been serviceable on previous occasions. Before the flight a thorough examination of all its mechanism must be made, new stores must be laid in, and fuel. The pilot must have a definite idea of that which he seeks and, if wise, he will profit by the counsel of other experienced flyers. Of course, he would not be likely to attempt flight unless he were fully expectant of success. If the conditions of preparation are properly met, nothing can hinder the success of his flight.

Through the exactions of mortal belief the opinion has found acceptance in many quarters that sickness, depression, and other evidences of trouble were sent from God for endurance by a helpless generation. False arguments of this genus are dispelled like mist before the glorious sun of Christian Science, which lights the way out of the darkness of erroneous thinking into the realization that we are privileged to demonstrate the trial of our faith by constant replacement of erroneous concepts with proofs of absolute spiritual fact. Thus, the larger the trial, or test, the greater becomes our opportunity, and joyful overcoming will be our proof of progress.

Our Leader has written (Science and Health, p. 410): "Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love. The Apostle John says: 'There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. ... He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.' Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science."