Which way?

The book of Hebrews records: ''By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.'' n1

n1 Hebrews 11:8

Abraham's experience in setting out trustingly into an unknown land may well coincide with ventures of faith we are called on to make in our own lives. We cannot always see the way we should take or foresee the consequences of a particular step. Yet when we go forward, trusting in God's guidance, we can be sure of being blessed. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says of God: ''He has mercy upon us, and guides every event of our careers.''n2

n2 Unity of Good, pp. 3-4.

I had proof of this many years ago. Obeying what seemed to be divine direction, I moved to an unfamiliar job in an industrial town. I expected that some new impulsion would soon lead me from strange work into my own more congenial profession. Then suddenly World War II broke out, and I found my occupation classified as ''reserved.'' Throughout the war years I was able to carry out work deemed to be of national importance. Human wisdom could never have foreseen such an outcome. A hymn says: I cannot always trace the way

Where Thou, Almighty One, dost

move; But I can always, always say

That God is Love, that God is Love. n3

n3 Christian Science Hymnalm, No. 133.

The recognition that God is Love, ever caring for His beloved children, encourages us to look to Him, rather than to fallible human planning and devising, when faced with vital decisions. Turning trustingly to Love, to infallible divine Mind, we will be unerringly guided.

Christ Jesus surrendered his own will to that of the Father and took the way of the cross, that he might benefit the human race, an act that has shone a blazing light down the centuries. He is our Way-shower, and when we sacrifice in some measure merely materialistic ambitions, we begin to follow in his footsteps.

No one wants to be a square peg in a round hole. In fact, such a misfit is contrary to the divine design. ''In Science,'' says Mrs. Eddy, ''man is governed by God, divine Principle, as numbers are controlled and proved by His laws.'' n4 Man, directed by perfect Mind, can never be out of his right place, never be prevented from individually expressing the qualities of God. We might all prayerfully echo the words that Paul uttered when he encountered the brightness of spiritual light on the road to Damascus: ''Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?'' n5

n4 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 318.

n5 Acts 9:6.

Whether we are faced with the question of buying a house, getting married, changing location, finding a job, choosing a college, starting a business, investing savings, or any one of a multitude of decisions, divine Love is present to guide us.

To hear the voice of wisdom, however, we need to listen in prayer - and then obey. Soon after the end of World War II, when automobiles were very scarce, I went to see a secondhand car that was advertised for sale. As I got off the bus at my destination, I heard clearly an inner voice that said one word: ''No!'' I knew this to be divine directing but ignored it. I wanted a car and was determined to have one. This willfulness resulted in an unpleasant experience with a shady dealer and the loss of a deposit.

We need to be alert to God's directing. If we are willing to be led, and to trust His goodness, He will not only guide our steps but protect us all the way. DAILY BIBLE VERSE Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it. Isaiah 30:21