Dependable solutions
WHEN we turn to God for answers to our troubles, we're not disappointed. The human mind, with its reasoning and weighing of options, often falters, becomes confused, is undependable. Recognizing that God's answers are always just and dependable, we can confidently turn to Him when trials arise. A recent experience proved to my family just how dependable God's Word is. I was involved in an automobile accident; my car was hit by a distracted driver, who was unaware that I was in the adjacent lane. No one was hurt, and the only car to sustain major damage was mine. After a friendly conversation, I went on my way. The other driver had assured me that she would assume full responsibility for my car's damages and see that I was completely reimbursed.
After collecting the needed estimates for repair work, I began to make arrangements to have the work completed. With disappointment I learned that the young woman now denied any responsibility for the collision and in fact claimed that I had been at fault! My heart sank. Momentarily forgetting my divine right to turn to God for dependable answers, I listened as my insurance agent explained that we had absolutely no recourse short of taking her to court.
As I hung up the telephone, I felt deceived, and I condemned myself for failing to record the name of the witness who had come forward upon seeing the collision. Frustration and disappointment led my husband and me to discuss taking the case to court. Our other option appeared to be to drop the entire matter and cover our own repair costs. But as students of Christian Science, we realized that we could depend on God for the solution that would be just and fair. We saw that there was another option. We could through prayer take our case to God, the supreme Judge and Lawgiver. We decided on Friday evening not to say another word about the hopelessness or injustice of this situation. We determined to turn wholeheartedly all weekend to God and seek His solution.
As I read a statement by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, my conviction grew that a just solution would become ap- parent. She writes, ``Christian Scientists have a strong race to run, and foes in ambush; but bear in mind that, in the long race, honesty always defeats dishonesty.'' 1
I felt determined to obey Paul's advice to the Philippians: ``Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'' 2 As I thought about truth and justice and purity, which God eternally expresses in His man, created perfect in His likeness, the burdensome view of man as a corrupt mortal vanished. From that quiet moment of recognition, love and forgiveness filled our home.
Early Monday morning a phone call related the message that for ``no apparent reason'' the young woman had suddenly come forward and told the truth. Apologies were offered, and we were told to repair our car at once.
Our gratitude extended far beyond the restoration of our vehicle. We had seen that a prayerful approach to this complex problem had transformed circumstances from difficult and discouraging to hopeful and satisfying.
As we turn to God with confidence that He will provide direction, we find dependable solutions.
1 Miscellaneous Writings, p. 126. 2 Philippians 4:8. DAILY BIBLE VERSE O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? . . . Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne. Psalms 89:8, 14
