When people's troubles seem larger than they can face, it may be because they are not equipped with the means to face them. When they see this, they begin to look for something practical, something that does meet their need, that heals their sickness and takes away their sin.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science through divine revelation, perceived the need for humanity to understand more fully the teachings of the Bible and particularly of Christ Jesus. She realized there was a saving divine Principle behind Jesus' teachings that needed to be seen and could be scientifically demonstrated. In her book Retrospection and Introspection she says: "The motive of my earliest labors has never changed. It was to relieve the sufferings of humanity by a sanitary system that should include all moral and religious reform." ^{Ret., p. 30;} Her search for this system had even impelled her to investigate homeopathy and other curative schools.

During this search, she repeatedly retreated to the solace of Bible reading. Led by a spontaneous healing, Mrs. Eddy saw the meanings of Bible teachings and began to understand their significance. She established her system of religion so that all could, through gaining a spiritual knowledge of God and man, share in her discovery. In answer to the question "How would you define Christian Science?" she writes, "As the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony." ^{Rudimental Divine Science, p. 1;}

For many people who have reached the culmination of their careers, the normal incidents of human living have given temporary satisfaction within the framework of a limited material concept of life. Life has served them fairly well. But what of the future? Times of achievement lead to a time of fruitage, which may also be a time of reckoning. Has their life thus far been a success? If they see that it has not, what can they do about it now? How is Christian Science going to help them? It is going to change their thought of God and man. It will give them a new concept of Life as God and of man as the perfect reflection of divine Life. It will bring blessings and health into their lives.

As we look to this understanding of God for help, we realize in some measure the spiritual truth that God's will is done. The saving Christ, the divine manifestation of God, brings us a message of comfort; it brings healing. We see that in reality man is always at one with God, has always reflected Him, and that each individual has always been fulfilling God's purpose for him. Not one of us has ever been or could ever be a failure, limited, or inactive. We are and eternally have been God's beloved sons and daughters.

Perhaps other members of our family need to be aware of the Christ, Truth. Can we help in this? Yes. We can trust them to God, conscious that His will is operating in their behalf. He brings to their attention as to ours the knowledge of Himself, of divine Principle.

Young people, concerned with what is before them, may have bright hopes for the future, but they need more than that. They need to have sure guidance. Can we use the Scriptures to meet today's questions? Yes, but only if their meaning is spiritually discerned. A thorough study of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy, opens up the deeper meanings of the Bible stories and shows us how to apply their teachings to present-day needs.

When the lawyer referred to in Luke's Gospel asked Jesus, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus referred him to the Commandments and the need to obey them. He asked, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" When the lawyer answered correctly, Jesus said, "This do, and thou shalt live." ^{Luke 10:25, 26, 28;} It was as though Jesus was turning the lawyer's question back on him and saying in effect, "Who am I to tell you what is in the law? You are a lawyer; go and discern its spiritual content." And this is what we all, young or old, need to do today. We need to discern the spiritual truth underlying the Bible teachings.

Those who are midstream in life may have the feeling they are helpless because they have not attained any degree of distinction or position of influence. Perhaps they feel they aren't able to do other than conform to, or put up with, the way of life they believe has been decided for them. But they can find an antidote in the teachings of Christian Science. Even a glimpse of the spiritual truths that form the basis of this religion will begin to transform the life of such individuals and direct them into satisfying and useful activity.

Do we feel we're in the grip of a particular institution, that we count for little as an individual? Christian Science teaches us differently. Through its study we begin to see ourself as the reflection of God. And we realize that as His reflection, we are at all times guided rightly and equipped with the spiritual discernment and strength needed to offset such claims of a power opposed to God. Mrs. Eddy states this very clearly when she says, "God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience." ^{Science and Health, p. 106.} This truth is established within God's purpose for man. God is the only power.

Whether we call ourselves old, young, or middle-aged, we can find the answer to our troubles in Christian Science, for this Science awakens us to the blessings God has already endowed each one of us with and shows us how to offset mistaken concepts of limitation.

God's will is already done, and the discovery of Christian Science attests to the law of God, universal harmony. It is the revelation of divine Truth. This revelation needs only to be recognized and put into practice.