Healed of several ailments
I’ve always appreciated the story in the Bible about the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years and was healed by the spirit of divine Love expressed by Christ Jesus (see Mark 5:25–34 ). We are told that physicians had been unable to heal this woman, and she had spent all her money on their efforts, without results. But when she heard of Jesus, she felt that if she could only touch his garment, she could be healed. Well, she did touch Jesus’ garment and it had an immediate effect—freedom at last—produced by her faith, as Jesus proclaimed. Isn’t this what we are all seeking, freedom from the false beliefs of fleshly ills?
That account reminds me of a healing I had some time ago. For over four years, I had nosebleeds at least once a week, and often more frequently. I didn’t go to a physician to find out a cause because from many prior Christian Science healings, I knew my answer was in knowing God better. I absolutely knew that God was my only physician.
At first I had to rid myself of the fear that something other than God could control me. I received my peace through continual study of the weekly Bible Lessons found in the Christian Science Quarterly. As I prayed, I began to see the error that was presenting itself for the lie about my spiritual identity that it was—and the issue ceased to impress me. Sometime later I realized that I hadn’t had a nosebleed in over a year, and it has remained that way.
Another example of the power of Christian Science healing occurred more recently. I couldn’t sleep, pain was constant, and it became very difficult to walk, eat, or drink. I absolutely knew that through applying the truths Jesus demonstrated and the underlying Science Mary Baker Eddy discovered, I would be healed. I needed to understand more fully that all power belongs to God and God alone.
Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “In seeking a cure for dyspepsia consult matter not at all, and eat what is set before you, ‘asking no question for conscience sake’ ”(p. 222 ). I saw that this could apply to my situation, too. Jesus often required those who came to him for healing to take some sort of action (for instance, take up thy bed and walk; stretch forth thy hand; rise up and walk). Reading and studying Christian Science are important, but we also must demonstrate—hold fast to—the truths we are learning. I needed to actively address this issue. It took diligence, but through prayer, I did overcame the aversion to food and drink.
Another important lesson I learned was the difference between expecting and accepting. I could expect healing at some future time, or accept it right now. To be honest, at times I became discouraged, but turning to God helped me overcome that. It is so important and comforting to know that we are spiritual and not material. God made everything, and it was very good (see Genesis 1:31 ). That includes you and me, in His spiritual image and likeness, without a trace of error.
I realized that the root of the problem wasn’t matter, but so-called mortal mind suggesting all these problems. I prayed to know that the only real Mind is the divine Mind—and that was the only Mind, which was always telling me the truth about myself.
These were just a few of the many gems that I acknowledged to be true for me as well as all mankind. I held to these truths until I made them my own. Also very important was my husband, who, when I was feeling down, would ask me to tell him of the many past healings I had experienced. Recalling the power of Christian Science to heal definitely broke the mesmerism at those times.
My healing was complete after several months of consecrated study and prayer. When the healing came, it was in an instant—the problems were just not there anymore—and I continue to be free from them.
I am deeply grateful for Christ Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy, The Mother Church and all of its many activities, the dedication of Christian Science practitioners, and my dear husband, who never for one moment doubted that the healing would come.
Donna Black
Astoria, Oregon, US
