Several years ago I hurt my back while lifting something. That evening I found I couldn't sit up and had to crawl out of bed to answer the telephone. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to serve as Second Reader the next morning, so I called a Christian Science practitioner for help. The practitioner told me not to worry, assuring me, "Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself" (Science and Health, p. 385), and agreeing that he would treat me through prayer. Although my back was still painful, I was no longer fearful.
I was able to read, to go to work the next week, and to fulfill all my commitments; but my back was not right. I couldn't stand upright and I was uncomfortable.
I was scheduled to introduce a lecture at our church. I felt embarrassed to do this while still suffering from the back problem. The day of the lecture, I decided to take the afternoon off from work in order to pray. When I got home, I gathered my books and periodicals and climbed into bed. As I listened for God's guidance, the thought came: "Your study is complete. You have learned what you need to understand. You need only to trust Me." I put everything into God's hands, totally trusting Him. I felt warm all over, completely cared for by God. As I rolled over I felt my back adjust and knew I was healed. I introduced the lecturer that evening standing upright and free for the first time in months. This experience occurred more than ten years ago, and I have had no back problems since.
