Editorial February 4, 1939 Issue

"What cannot God do?"

Duncan Sinclair

When the children of Israel, after leaving the land of Egypt where they had been for many years in bondage, found themselves before the Red Sea and with the Egyptian army behind them ready to force them back to slavery, they became panic-stricken. Their faith in the power of Jehovah waned, and when they failed to see any way out of the difficulty their hearts sank within them in dismay. What would have befallen them had not Moses retained his understanding of and confidence in God is not difficult to imagine. Their inspired leader, however, did not lose his trust in God, neither did his prophetic vision fail him; and so he could command the people out of his profound confidence in the Almighty in the words (Exodus 14: 13), "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." The Bible then records the passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea on dry land. God had delivered them. Moses had demonstrated what God could do.

How often in these days do we seem to be confronted with problems apparently as formidable as that which presented itself to the Hebrews! National crises recur with painful frequency. Peace-loving people everywhere stand in dread of a possible outbreak of war, and at times are tempted to believe that they are impotent in face of the threat. In their fear they cry out to God for help; ask Him to change the thought of the aggressor; beseech Him to put an end to the material-mindedness which is the foundation of all lust for power, all inharmony, all strife. But how often the cry has in it the ring of doubt; how often it is lacking in faith in the power of God! Mrs. Eddy's words on page 135 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" aptly apply to the situation: "There is to-day danger of repeating the offence of the Jews by limiting the Holy One of Israel and asking: 'Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?' What cannot God do?"

There is something radically wrong with one's concept of God if one cannot trust Him; if one cannot at all times rely on His aid. Is there then a correct understanding of God, which makes certain His help? There is; and Christian Science gives it. God is infinite Spirit or Mind, perfect Love. There is thus only one real power in existence, and it is altogether good. Christian Science does not limit God in any degree. God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient—All-in-all—and there is no other real power or presence. This understanding of God must be gained to enable mankind to handle their individual or collective problems successfully.

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