Testimony of Healing December 4, 1989 Issue

My due date came and went

Suzanne Stewart Shute

My due date came and went. I had had a healthy pregnancy, but after more than two weeks had passed, the doctor on my case performed a test and gravely told me his diagnosis: "postmaturity with fetal distress." He explained that signs indicated that the baby needed to be born. He talked to me about a Caesarean section. He wanted me to come to the hospital the next morning for more accurate tests and said I was to come prepared for the possibility of surgery if the tests confirmed his diagnosis.

I left his office in fear and disappointment. During the two weeks after my due date I felt I had made much spiritual progress through prayer and study of Christian Science. I had expected an encouraging report from the doctor. As I talked with a Christian Science practitioner that afternoon, I realized how selfish and willful I had been concerning the pregnancy and birth. I humbled myself and sincerely asked God for His forgiveness. I disciplined my thinking to pray not just for myself but for the baby. My prayer finally became unselfed.

I saw that the doctor in this case was genuinely doing his best to help me and the baby; he was not trying to impose medical views and techniques on me. A great fear lifted. I became active in overcoming willful thoughts. I put my complete trust in God's love for man. A sense of peace replaced the anguish of the past two weeks. All the fear in my thought was eliminated by the action of unselfed prayer. As First John tells us, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The healing message of Christian Science