Over the years I've read many accounts of Christian Scientists who had problems that interfered with performing necessary tasks; then, with complete faith that God would see them through, they carried on and completed their assignments. I always thought that was wonderful for them but that I could never do the same because I did not possess the understanding or faith that they had shown. Then I had the opportunity to prove Mrs. Eddy's statement in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures "Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself."
For some years I had been plagued with a back problem that at times completely immobilized me. I could not sit, stand, or lie down without great pain. With prayerful treatment from a Christian Science practitioner, these attacks would subside. One day I was asked to substitute as First Reader in my branch church, and I gladly accepted. On the Friday before the service, I had an attack of this back pain and could not move. In the back of my mind was the thought that there was still time to find someone to substitute if the condition did not improve.
I asked my wife to pray for me, and she assured me that "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble" (Psalms). My wife did not counsel me humanly on what to do, and this helped me greatly and freed me from a sense of human will. I realized that direction comes from God, divine Mind, alone.
