ONE of the many helpful and necessary steps in the experience of the Christian Scientist is met with when he has done all that is seemingly possible in the overcoming of a discordant condition, and is awaiting results. If he has worked conscientiously, and with true humility, the time of waiting need not be either tedious or cheerless, but may be a happy and joyous period.
That this period is sometimes necessary and right is readily understood when the many similar instances in the Bible are recalled. Noah had to wait until the waters were assuaged before he left the ark; Moses, tending sheep for his father-in-law, waited many years before he could lead the Israelites forth from Egypt; Joseph proved that the time of waiting need not be idle, but full of blessing for one's self and others. Jesus the Christ held himself obedient to his earthly parents, and waited patiently until the proper time to begin his ministry; then at the climax of his career, he remained three days in the tomb before showing himself unchanged to his disciples. After his resurrection there was a waiting period of forty days before the ascension; and during this time his instructions to his followers were to tarry in Jerusalem and wait for the fulfillment of God's promise. How lovingly they obeyed him! No more impetuous haste from Peter! No more doubt or incredulity from Thomas, after that repentant acknowledgment, "My Lord and my God"! In unison of purpose and love they all waited for inspiration and fuller understanding of their mission and its power. A test of our sincerity lies in our willingness to wait, if need be, for the complete working out of our problem, knowing well that the result is sure, because God, divine Principle, governs all with omniscience and love.
When we have applied the truth to any wrong condition and have made our declarations with confidence and understanding, and when we feel our work is complete, what then remains to be done? In the first place, the work is not complete until we realize that God "doeth the works;" that when we declare the truth, it is the Word of God, Truth, expressing itself through us—it is God's word we are speaking, God's law which is being declared. It is not "our" truth apart from God, not "our" power, but His; and whether one is a young student or has studied for years, whatever the language with which the thought is clothed, it is the word of God, the truth, which heals and blesses. If we but realize this, we can truly declare, "It is finished," and refuse to be worried or tormented by fear, or to have our harmony, peace, or joy disturbed.
