Probably every parent who is a Christian Scientist has used the story of the Shunammite woman, as recorded in the fourth chapter of II Kings, to bolster his faith and to overcome his fears when dealing with children's difficulties.
This Shunammite woman had the courage to turn her back upon the evidence of the senses. She had great faith in Elisha's understanding and spiritual power. When her child appeared to be dead, as far as mortal sense testimony could determine, she sought out the "holy man of God," as she called Elisha, to ask his help. When he saw her afar off, he instructed his servant to run to meet her and to inquire if all was well with her family. In the face of mortal sense testimony the woman stanchly declared, "It is well."
Mary Baker Eddy writes in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 495): "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not."
