Responsibility and strength

There were several elderly relatives who needed attention and care, my own small child, and other commitments. As one more demand was made upon me, I felt I was being pulled in too many directions; that I just wasn't adequate to meet all these needs. Instinctively I turned to God for help, and the answer came immediately. "It's not just you who are meeting these needs. God, Love, is caring for His children." The pressure and weight of false responsibility were instantly lifted. A deeper sense of order prevailed, and other members of the family found they could give a helping hand. Everyone, including me, was cared for.

How important it is not to see a mere mortal as the provider of good. Such a viewpoint imposes impossible burdens. We need to realize at every opportunity that God is the source of all true wisdom, power, and vitality. He sustains and maintains; He guides, cherishes, and protects each one of His offspring. As Mary Baker Eddy n1 writes, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." N2 This potent reminder can be pondered with humility and gratitude. It was the significance of these words that brought release to me.

n1 Mrs. Eddy is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

n2 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,m p. 494.

The marvelous story of Moses teaches many lessons. Right at the start of his career as leader of the children of Israel, he had to sort out the question of responsibility and his own sense of inadequacy. His initial diffidence and reluctance to undertake this great task actually indicated the basis of his readiness for the work: an essential humility that enabled him to recognize and accept God's guidance and care.

This quality, among others, helped Moses understand God's total control and power. And it was through this understanding of God that he was able to go forward obediently -- in the face of all the might of Pharaoh's opposition -- and to deal with the vicissitudes of the wilderness journey. It is this understanding that shines through the Red Sea episode and the song of praise that follows it: "Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation." n3

n3 Exodus 15:13.

One of the fundamental messages in the Bible is the importance of recognizing God as the only power, the only creator, the only provider. Our strength, our health, our joy and well-being are in fact spiritual and emanate from God, Spirit, without measure.

Christ Jesus' understanding of God and His love for man conquered each aspect of evil that was presented. His recognition of God's care was so clear, physical disorders were instantly hea led. Yet he emphasized, "I can of mine own self do nothing" n4 and "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." n5

n4 John 5:30;

n5 14:10.

This Christly humility strikes at the very heart of mortal egotism and pride. It needs to be sought and achieved, for it is only as we truly follow Jesus' example that the individual and collective problems and difficulties of mankind can be resolved. Each time we let go of a burdened sense of responsibility for someone or some activity and begin to express God's love -- knowing that He is the source of our strength and substance -- we have taken a step in the right direction. We have moved forward along the way revealed by the Bible and Christ Jesus, toward a complete understanding of God's true spiritual creation and a total trust in His love. DAILY BIBLE VERSE O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it. Isaiah 38:14, 15