Every year around the holidays I look forward to visiting my stepchildren and grandchildren in another state. It’s always a time filled with lots of activity and joy. A year ago during my visit, we went out hiking one day on snowy and icy terrain near a lovely stream. My grandchildren ran ahead while my stepson, daughter-in-law, and I enjoyed a bit slower pace. As we walked down a slight incline, I slipped on some ice and fell, crying out in pain. My knee hurt, and I was afraid I might not be able to stand.
I knew immediately I needed to start praying, and so that outcry in pain was followed by the silent declaration of a Bible verse I had read that morning from Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God” (46:10). My stepchildren stood over me quietly as I sat still affirming God’s presence. In my prayer I declared my perfection as a child of God who couldn’t be hurt. A few moments later, another Bible verse came to me that I had read in that week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).
That was an inspiring, healing idea for me to know. God was with me and helping me, and I didn’t have to spend one more moment worrying that I wouldn’t be able to get up and continue the hike. I’d had many experiences of healing over the years through total reliance on prayer and God’s omnipotent power. I was confident this situation would have the same healing results.
