Testimony of Healing November 23, 2015 Issue

Our spiritual sense and healing

Patrick Essobo

A few years ago, while I was still in college, my cousin with whom I lived suddenly lost his job. As he could not continue to pay the rent, he decided to go and live with his family-in-law until the situation stabilized. For my part, I had to manage. I had to find a place to live until the end of the academic year as soon as possible, for fear of finding myself homeless.

The study and practice of the teachings of Christian Science have taught me that prayer is the most reliable way to find a solution to our problems. I therefore turned wholeheartedly to God in prayer. This passage from Isaiah came to mind: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, New Living Translation). I realized that God was with me right then, and always, and that nothing could separate me from Him. As His spiritual idea I am never homeless; I always dwell in His presence. No matter how hopeless a situation seems to be, there is a way out. I realized that this was what my spiritual sense was telling me and I could trust it.

Spiritual sense allows us to realize our connection, our oneness, with God—to discern the good that is always present from God, and to know with certainty that our unity with Him is unwavering. Mary Baker Eddy defines spiritual sense as “a conscious, constant capacity to understand God” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 209). Only when we are guided by spiritual sense can we hear—discern—God, Truth, and its ideas. What Truth communicates is always true, and what the material senses tell us is always false. As I prayed, I knew I could not be mesmerized into believing anything untrue about me. I knew God would meet my needs.