MOSES, leading the Israelites out of bondage after Pharaoh had so reluctantly allowed them to leave Egypt, had journeyed, so we read in Exodus, from Succoth, "and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness." Thus far the advance, though perhaps long and trying, had encountered no interference; the Lord had gone before them, a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, guiding them each step of the way. All was well until, realizing that Pharaoh was pursuing them, they became fearful and entangled themselves in a wilderness of doubts, fears, and regrets at having ever begun the flight for freedom. Better, the Israelites felt, to have remained in Egypt, slaves of Pharaoh, than to have become lost in the wilderness, where it seemed they must surely die. But Moses, their faithful leader, turned to God for guidance and comforted them with the assurance that God would defend them.
Having come at last to the shores of the Red Sea, the Israelites had reached a spot from which going back was impossible unless the great and powerful forces of the Egyptians could be conquered. Going forward looked equally impossible. They were at a standstill. So long as the pillar of cloud and fire which lighted their camp, while darkening that of the enemy, cut them off from danger of Pharaoh's attack, they felt safe from the Egyptians; but they could scarcely remain indefinitely shut up in a camp by the sea.
Then God commanded Moses to speak to his followers, "that they go forward." "Go forward"! Into the sea? To stand still seemed all they could possibly accomplish just then. They had no ships; to swim the sea was impossible. Instructed by God, Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, that God might fulfill His promise that they should walk over on dry land.
Then we read that it was necessary for the Israelites to wait while the waters were swept back during the night, a time when they were probably discouraged and afraid. Yet during that night they gained the courage to go "into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground."
A Christian Scientist in the midst of darkness and discouragement, on the shore of some Red Sea, troubled, perplexed at his present apparent inability to go forward, is not excusable for crying that he cannot help his situation. The demonstration of yesterday was sufficient for yesterday, but leaves to-day's need still to be met. To-day's problem must be faced with greater growth than was manifest yesterday, if one is not to perish of discouragement and fear.
The eternal command of God is, "Go forward." On page 233 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy tells us that "every day makes its demands upon us for higher proofs rather than professions of Christian power," and that "progress is the law of God, whose law demands of us only what we can certainly fulfil." Once the first step has been taken, and the hand stretched forth over the sea in token of God's omnipotence, the waters flow back and one not only can go forward, but is lovingly led over dry land. How easy progress becomes when one realizes that at each step he is being led, and that claims of inharmony, discord, disease, lack, sin, or sorrow, having been reversed and healed, spiritual assurance becomes a bulwark protecting him from attacks of error.
Periods of discouragement are not necessary for growth. Stoppage of activity is not possible, and seeming stagnation is destroyed through understanding that progress is always in process. A claim of stagnation reversed proves an opportunity to gather new quietness and strength for future progress. Going forward is always possible, whatever the argument to the contrary. There is no power which can prevent our unfolding understanding of man, the infinite idea of infinite Mind. All power is given us to manifest God's likeness, to grow steadily in grace.
Whatever the obstacles may appear to be, they are always surmountable. No sea of error is wide enough, or deep enough, to stay the forward march of a right thinker. One has ever the privilege and strength to progress toward the goal of harmony, health, prosperity, and the ability to avail himself of this privilege. No evidence of the material senses, no suggestions, no personal beliefs, prejudices, or fears, no conditions of society or business, can persuade him into indolence or doubt as to man's God-given dominion over all the earth. Demonstration of the thing needful to win a larger vision of God's infinite goodness is always possible. Each step in demonstration is provided for in Mind, is protected by the operation of Truth, and is directed by Love.
When, as an infant, his life was threatened by Pharaoh, Moses was given into the care of his own mother. As a boy and young man he was placed under the protection of the daughter of Pharaoh. This insured his education and gave him the experience he humanly needed; and it guarded him against death at the hand of the enemy of his people. When he was called to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, God gave him words to carry to them, and power to still their doubts as to his divinely ordained leadership. When he failed to recognize God's wisdom in choosing him for this leadership, and doubted his own ability to bear the message, Aaron was sent to serve as Moses' spokesman.
The law was received at Sinai at the exact moment when law had become essential for the protection of the Israelites. Never did the right idea fail to meet the need. The spiritual fact necessary to silence the lying material argument is always present and operative. Despite his personal fears and the doubts of the children of Israel, Moses went forward on the journey, leading them through the Red Sea and the wilderness, up to the Jordan. In each crisis Moses turned to God for help and guidance, never outlining the form His assistance should assume, but, rather, leaving to Him the supplying of the needful thing.
God, in His infinite wisdom, supplies the suitable idea instantly. "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But," as the Master said, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Such trustful seeking brings concrete, definite, specific results. Supply will always appear in the form needful. The things added may be manifested as home, friendship, money, food, physical or moral healing, increased intelligence, or greater harmony and peace. The specific expression is invariably that through which one is able to gain a larger understanding of Love's unfailing care, of God's almighty power. Scientific demonstration is ever a going forward, an entirely possible and constant progress toward the promised land of Spirit.
There are people who would do great acts; but because they wait for great opportunities life passes and the acts of love are not done at all. Observe, the considerateness of Christ was shown in little things.
