Many years ago, at a time of...

Genevieve B. Engel

Many years ago, at a time of serious physical and financial need. I was introduced to Christian Science through reading a copy of the Sentinel which I found in a hotel room.

I had been told by physicians that I would probably not live longer than two years because of a throat and respiratory trouble. In darkness as to God's nature, and feeling that if I were soon to pass, on, I should know something about Him, I was constantly confronted with these questions: What is God? How shall I pray? Why am I here in a dying condition? What can I do about it? A beam of spiritual understanding came to me through my perusal of the Sentinel that I had picked up; and as I continued to read, I knew for the first time that my questions would be answered. I went immediately to a Christian Science Reading Room to purchase a copy of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy.

The way up seemed long, and progress slow. Many times the seeds of truth seemed to fall by the wayside, but thanks to the benevolence of our heavenly Father, divine Love, some fell on good ground and bore fruit. I was ready to acknowledge that God heals, even before I understood how the healing was done. The physical condition which had prevailed since early childhood had made me so weak I had to rest during the performance of the slightest physical task. But as I consecrated myself to more earnest study of the Bible and Science and Health, fear and the false beliefs supporting it were overcome, and the feeling of exhaustion gradually disappeared.

Through many struggles and victories I proved the truth of the prophet's statement, where, speaking of "the everlasting God," he writes (Isa. 40:29, 31): "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength ... They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I had learned, too, that climate can be harmful or beneficial to us only as we believe it to be so.

What a change had taken place in my life! I had begun to see that Jesus performed his wonderful works through the understanding of God's law of infinite perfection, which revokes the death penalty with the power of the Word in Science. With health and strength renewed, I sought the right idea of employment, which annulled all belief of financial lack. I was learning that God, good, expressed in intelligence, obedience, willingness, and service wherever I might be, is the means in Science of demonstrating both health and supply.

Along the upward way many un-diagnosed physical difficulties have been healed. One night I was awakened with alarming symptoms. I was unable to move. With a member of my family who is a Christian Scientist I joyously asserted the allness of God and proclaimed the perfection of His image and likeness. By morning every vestige of the complaint had disappeared, never to return. I have also been healed of a badly injured foot and of burns.

I am devoutly grateful for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church. Church work has shown me more clearly how to overcome a false sense of self, which in my opinion is the basis of human problems. Unselfed love is certainly the way the Master took in confronting and overcoming the world. How glad and grateful we must be that Mrs. Eddy saw and shared this truth, for without its revelation there would be no Christianly scientific religion. In her book "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, tells us (p. 118), "Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty of employment, and the divine Principle worketh with you,—and obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory." How glorious is this ever-unfolding spiritual victory!

For restored health, strength, peace, companionship, and bounty I thank our Father-Mother God, and I pray that all the world may come to know His healing love. —(Mrs.) Genevieve B. Engel, Mount Clemens, Michigan.

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