Lesson for March 5, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Andrea Gerber on Fasting. It has always seemed archaic and to indicate sorrow associated with sackcloth and ashes. But the fasting part is one of the most important principles to commit to. Andrea said that she had not done it well before because of blood sugar issues. But she decided to try it and found that after 18 hours, she really felt inspired and chastised herself for missing out. Trying to set up the fast so that the sacrament meeting is in the final hour of the fast, was an important part of her fast. When one sister was on her mission, she learned the value of fasting. She remembers a moment of truth in her mission when she needed to fast. She could feel more of the Spirit that very day and she was able to share referrals and share her testimony. She found benefits and miracles happened when she fasted. Heather Cantrell told about a military travel trip that they fasted and prayed for and got bumped, but were able to go the next day. It turned out that there was very bad weather. Miracles are brought about by fasting and sincere prayer. Lorenzo Snow on his mission in Italy stayed with a family who had an ill three year old. He fasted and prayed to be able to bless the child. A few hours later, the child was much better. He told the parents that the God of Heaven had done that for them. A family had a child who had fits and Joseph Smith said that if a head of the house would fast three days, the child would be healed. The father fasted and the child was healed. Sometimes, though God has a different plan and we need to recognize that God has His own plans. Perhaps praying to know what the plan is. Remember that those who are appointed to death are not to be healed. We do have a great power of faith and blessings. Andrea said that she prayed to know if she should marry her husband. Her mother told her that marriage is hard and life is hard so getting that answer is what can carry her through the hard times. So Andrea decided to fast and pray and the next day she would eat and then do it again. On the very first day with the very first prayer, she got a burning unmistakable answer She felt that the answer came with fasting and prayer combined. Other comments came about times when putting off the natural man and rising above the physical body would help. However much we can do to fast, God notices. We have to be willing to accept how God works and make the sacrifice of our wills. Andrea feels like fasting is a secret weapon. Prophets have mentioned the when and the why we should fast. For example, blessings of health, answers to prayers, inspiration, finding jobs or on a job, gaining confidence, for gratitude. One sister remembers her ward fasting for rain during fires and it rained the next day. Scientists are now recognizing the benefits for our bodies in fasting. If we are humble, God gives us the confidence we need to do hard things or guide our families. Fasting gives us the courage to do something hard so we know we can do something else that is hard. Fasting also gives us clarity of mind. Fasting can help us know the lord is on our side. In Isaiah 58:6-11 has many promises that come from fasting. It can do many wonderful things for us. In our homes,it can strengthen marriage bonds, lessen conflict between siblings, and strengthen our character and control of our appetites. The greatest promise is that then the Lord shall come when we call and comfort us. She challenges us to experiment with fasting and its blessings.