Recently , I came to understand that "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and ... a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews). Since graduating from college in 1990, I have been enjoying a professional career as an opera singer. Early in 1992, I had the honor of performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

One Tuesday I received a telephone call from the Met, asking if I would like to debut that same Friday; I would be stepping in for an artist who could not perform that evening. (I wasn't supposed to make my debut for another month.) I gratefully accepted the opportunity, although I'd had no on-stage rehearsal.

That Thursday I woke feeling quite ill with the flu. I was able to drag myself to some morning rehearsals, but by mid-afternoon I felt worse. I was praying, endeavoring to become conscious of God, good, as the only reality. But the spiritual evidence of my unalterable health and wholeness seemed impossible to discern.

I returned home and telephoned a Christian Science practitioner. When I asked for prayerful action, she responded immediately with a declaration of this comforting statement from the Bible: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." This verse from Jeremiah was so appropriate to the situation, and we considered its spiritual importance.

The practitioner told me that because God is Mind, and He is All-in-all, I could expect to see evidence of this fact. Actually, we weren't simply trying to heal physical discomfort; we were interested in spiritualization of thought, understanding and knowing my Father-Mother God better, and realizing that God doesn't bless just me but everyone.

I also pondered the words of Hymn No. 5 from the Christian Science Hymnal, which begins, "A voice from heaven we have heard,/The call to rise from earth. ..." The message of this hymn was helpful.

Although I felt a great sense of peace, the symptoms persisted. After speaking with my parents and my agent, I decided that for professional reasons it was wise to call the company and alert them to the situation, so as not to leave them hanging if I could not perform. The agents were most gracious and supportive and asked me to telephone the next day to let them know whether I would be appearing. In the meantime, they said they would alert a backup.

I then continued to pray. I understood clearly that it was not my own human will to be on the stage the next night, but that God's law of harmonious government included me and all involved.

I slept peacefully that night, and when I woke Friday morning, I found that all symptoms of sickness had vanished. I was completely well. How I rejoiced! But when I telephoned the Met, I found I had a new surprise in store; my call had been misinterpreted, taken as a cancellation and someone else had been alerted to go on instead. They said they would call me back in a couple of hours to let me know whether I would perform that night.

Together, the practitioner and I prayed about this new situation. She told me that my opportunity did not rest on human decisions, people, places, and times. Whether I would or would not sing rested with God, the divine Mind. She indicated that I would sing until God, divine Mind, said I wouldn't sing. This one thought alone brought me complete peace. I didn't need to fear, because I understood the spiritual truth that the practitioner had stated so plainly.

The Met called me ten minutes later to tell me that if I was feeling up to it, the debut was mine. Needless to say, I accepted.

The performance that evening was absolutely grand. I felt prepared, as though I had performed the role many times before. I was so uplifted. I had caught a glimpse that I simply reflect the ability to perform, which originates in God.

I would also like to mention one other aspect that makes this healing complete. A practitioner who helped me during my college years and who was particularly special to me had passed on suddenly. For a while I felt I would never be able to find spiritual guidance when I needed it. Through this healing I learned that the qualities I had so loved in my friend were not material or personal. They were spiritual qualities of God that she reflected, and they are expressed by everyone in unique ways. I hope this testimony may be of help to someone else, as many other testimonies have helped me.

Heidi Skok
New York, New York