A Challenge to any right endeavor usually has the effect of stimulating thought into action which results in victory. A helpful lesson in this connection may be learned from the action of a river when meeting a dam in its course. The river continues its rise until it overflows the dam or its spillway, and, surging onward, reaches the sea. In like manner, the right thinker and doer, confronted by challenging obstacles of material limitations, normally rises to the occasion and by rising gains a victory.
In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 268): "Materialistic hypotheses challenge metaphysics to meet in final combat. In this revolutionary period, like the shepherd-boy with his sling, woman goes forth to battle with Goliath."
Such a challenge, manifest in the manifold disturbances of today, strikes no terror to the hearts of those who are learning through Christian Science to know themselves spiritually and to turn to God, divine Principle, for stability and security. Instead, Scientists regard the challenges of today as opportunities for gaining the spiritual understanding with which to free themselves and others from the evil impositions of materialism.
