God controls

It is a great comfort to know that when difficulties arise, we can look to God for help and receive it. Throughout the Bible, and particularly in the New Testament, we see proof that God's love for man is constant, His control absolute and therefore always available to correct what needs correcting. There's no chaos or conflict in God's spiritually perfect creation, which is under the control of the one divine Mind. As we can learn from the Bible, we are actually the children of God, governed by God alone, though it would appear we're vulnerable, fleshly beings. Through humble, expectant prayer we can prove God's control, realizing His supremacy and denying that there is any other mind or influence that can prevent the natural appearing of good in our lives. Consistently doing this opens our tho ught to His direction. And the answer we need will surely come.

Looked at from a purely material viewpoint, we certainly seem to be physical mortals, subject to a variety of influences. And there's no question that circumstances can seem difficult, even hopeless on occasions. But there is always a healing answer, although it may not be immediately apparent. Perhaps we have to learn patience. Perhaps we have to let go of preconceived ideas. The human mind has a habit of mapping out its own solution to a difficulty. We need to be alert to prevent this. Knowing and allowing God to be in control, we'll find that the final answer can be much better for us and all concerned than we may have supposed.

Some years ago I faced a difficult challenge connected with a relationship, which caused great distress. When I was at my lowest ebb and earnestly, almost desperately, seeking divine guidance, the thought of a course of action that could be taken came vividly to thought. So remarkable was this enlightenment that it was as if someone had actually spoken, and I was reminded of the verse in the Bible from Isaiah, ``Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.'' 1 I felt sure that this was the right answer, and so it proved. Gradually the distress vanished, and others were blessed as well.

What had really happened was that I was at last willing to let go of my human plans, to which I had been willfully holding, and listen and respond to God's direction.

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes, ``The real jurisdiction of the world is in Mind, controlling every effect and recognizing all causation as vested in divine Mind.'' 2 Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, proved this on many occasions during his healing ministry. At one time when he was at sea with his disciples, a severe storm arose. The disciples, fearful for their safety, woke Jesus, who was asleep. His

response was immediate: ``He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.'' 3

We may not have to deal with a storm at sea. But we can certainly demonstrate God's absolute control over the stormy situations in our lives that would deny His care.

In reality, God alone governs. We can find increasing peace as we are willing and prepared to allow His control to operate in our lives and to follow Him wherever He leads. 1 Isaiah 30:21. 2 Science and Health, p. 379. 3 Luke 8:24.