With globalization, the number of people studying or working in countries other than their own has grown significantly in recent years. Immigration laws manage this movement of people by requiring noncitizens to have permits to live, study, or find employment, but navigating one’s way through this process can be a daunting task whenever there is “red tape” or excessive bureaucracy involved. Thankfully, prayer can show the way forward.

At one time, I needed to get a work permit in order to take up a job I was offered while living overseas. It seemed very unlikely that I would get the necessary permissions in time. Searching for a higher, spiritual perspective, I turned to the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, to better understand Christ Jesus’ many references to the kingdom of God.

Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is here” (Matthew 3:2, Eugene Peterson, The Message). What is this kingdom? Jesus wasn’t talking about a geographical location enclosed by national borders and divided by race or citizenship. It’s not a physical location, but rather a state of thought or spiritual consciousness. And Jesus said this kingdom is “within you” (see Luke 17:21).