Article February 8, 1941 Issue

Perseverance Wins

[Written Especially for Young People]

ILSE VON MEDING

One day a Christian Scientist, looking out of her kitchen window, observed that a little squirrel had come to visit a tree upon which had been hung a container of fat for the birds. The squirrel nibbled for a while and left. The next day he returned; but this time he tried to take his newly discovered treasure with him. He failed. Each day for a week the little fellow returned and made a fresh start to gain that which in his sight was needful and good. On the seventh day, he made such a determined effort that he was able to lift the container off the nail which had held it in place. The obstruction as far as he was concerned yielded under the pressure of faithful, persistent effort.

Well might we reflect upon the lessons our small friends of nature teach us. We, too, as the squirrel, can behold the treasure which we seek, and which seems to be so far beyond our present reach only because we fail to exercise the persistent effort that brings a happy reward.

Moses possessed this quality of perseverance. When he went with Aaron to the court of Pharaoh to ask permission to lead his people out of Egypt, he was at first refused. Later, however, Pharaoh let the people go up out of the land of Egypt. But in a little while his heart was once more hardened, and he pursued them with a great army. When the children of Israel reached the Red Sea, how hopeless their situation seemed to be, for Egyptians were in pursuit close behind! Where were they to go? Moses' great faith enabled him to trust God unswervingly. He prayed, and then received the command to go forward. Moses and the people of Israel started forth. Eventually they crossed the Red Sea upon dry ground, and were saved from the Egyptians.

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