Fasting

The lesson that we gave last Sunday was "Fasting" in the Gospel Principles manual. I don't know how many times I have given that lesson, but when I saw that it was that topic, I said to myself, "Oh blah".Too say I wasn't excited to teach this lesson was the understatement. But, it was interesting how this lesson proceeded. I read and reread the lesson and as I did, I thought, I wonder how the Spirit would teach this lesson. I tried to listen to the Spirit, but to tell you the truth, this time the Spirit was whispering so softly I had a hard time hearing it. Oh well, just proceed to cover the info in the book. But, as I started into the lesson, I called on Elder G. to explain why the Lord fasted for 40 days and nights. Elder G. simply explained that it was an act of obedience for Christ to humble himself before the father to show that he would accept whatever the Father had in mind for him. I called on Elder N. to share his feelings about why fasting is important for us. He too mentioned that it is a way we show the Father that we are obedient and humble in trying to follow his word. From that time forward, it was very easy for me to continue with following what the Spirit was trying to share with me. I had called on two Elders who were actively practicing fasting and prayer in their daily work and they could testify how to the truthfulness of the principle. We talked as a class for the need in finding direction in each of our lives. We discussed how important it is for each of us to fast and pray, give our fast offerings so that we can become a partner with Christ in lifting and serving others. I then had each of the Elders bear their testimony. Elder N. testified that he felt the Spirit so strongly in our class this day. My thoughts returned to my first feelings about teaching this lesson on Fasting and how I felt, "Oh Blah". I then reflected on how important that concept was in our class today, that the Spirit was able to testify through two Elders the Gospel truths that I had pushed aside as not so important. I was humbled by my wrong attitude. I too felt the Spirit strongly testify about the principle of fasting and how it helps us show obedience and love to our Heavenly Father. More than that, it shows humility....something I was greatly lacking that day. I will try next fast Sunday to try to put into place the principles of a sincere fast. Maybe then the Spirit won't be so hard to hear.