Article November 25, 1939 Issue

Faith and Healing

BETTY SCHWARTZ

ONE of the many lovely Bible stories of faith and healing is recorded in the fourth chapter of II Kings. Centuries ago "a great woman," who was a Shunammite, had a much beloved son, who had died. However real and overwhelming this evidence may have seemed to her, she did not remain in the presence of death to weep and bemoan her loss, or to question why this sorrow had befallen her. She immediately "shut the door" upon her son, and went out to ask help of Elisha, "the man of God." She allowed no fear or self-pity to overwhelm her as she journeyed from Shunem to Mount Carmel. She maintained her assurance of God's healing power, which she knew the prophet understood and demonstrated. She refused to believe her son was dead, and declared with absolute faith and conviction, "It is well." Thus Elisha's prayer and this mother's steadfast faith in the truth of being awakened the child from the dream of death, and he was restored to her.

When we are confronted with perplexing problems, which at times seem to overwhelm us, how prone we are to stop and wonder what has caused the discord, instead of going forth with confidence and faith to prove God's power. We must always be alert instantly to declare the unreality of evil, and to "shut the door" of our consciousness upon every form of aggressive mental suggestion. Then we, too, can say with assurance, "It is well."

A Christian Scientist once proved her understanding of God's eternal presence in the following experience. While doing her mental work in the early morning hours, she was greatly inspired and uplifted, feeling that she had reached the heights of heavenly vision through spiritual exaltation and purified consciousness. A few hours later a very painful physical disorder presented itself. She refused to accept this false belief, and held steadfastly to the sense of perfect peace which she had experienced but a few hours before. She thought of the occasion when Jesus was baptized, and how he "went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him." Soon after this glorious experience, the Master was "tempted of the devil," and so persistent were the temptations that they lasted for "forty days and forty nights."

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