Article September 15, 1997 Issue

Persistence really does win the prize

Abigail Mathieson Trout

Have you ever felt like giving up on praying? When I've been tempted to feel discouraged in this way, I've found a statement in Science and Health to be very useful in changing my perspective. After discussing the need to be obedient to the rules of Christian healing, the book points out, "There is nothing difficult nor toilsome in this task, when the way is pointed out; but self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life" (p. 462). The way I see it, if we're growing in unselfishness, honesty, and love, we also need to exercise staying power with these qualities. And God helps us do this. Persistence is natural to spiritual-mindedness because Spirit knows and sees only its own omnipotent ever-presence.

Heartfelt, Truth-affirming prayer does bring healing. We shouldn't be distracted by wondering if our honest work has come to nothing. We need to keep on with it—patiently, expectantly, confidently. How do we keep on going when we feel "prayed out"? By keeping ourselves steadfastly focused on what is true and God-made. Every bit of good in our lives has its basis in divine Love. This acknowledgment protects us from lapsing into a tired acceptance of anything opposed to our well-being. No matter how long a situation has continued, we have the God-given ability to maintain our focus on good and to demonstrate it, by degrees, in our lives. God, divine Mind, is ever available to provide us with undiminished supply, strength, inspiration, and joy.

Real joy doesn't run out, lose power, or exhaust itself. Despair has no real basis, because God, eternal good, is man's Life. Likewise, inspiration is not something we create. Inspiration is inseparable from Life; it is a fountain, the source of which is Love itself.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Women of Vision meet in Dallas