"We do not know all the reasons why Jesus Christ went into the wilderness to fast and to pray. But we know at least one of the effects: the Savior completely resisted Satan’s temptations to misuse His divine power.
"The brief time we fast every month and the small amount we offer for the poor may give us only a small part of the change in our natures to have no more desire to do evil. But there is a great promise, even as we do all that we reasonably can to pray, to fast, and to donate for those in need:
"'Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.
"'Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.' (Isaiah 58:8–9)
"I pray that we will claim those great blessings for ourselves and for our families."
- Henry B. Eyring, "Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?", General Conference April 2015
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
President Eyring's thoughts about fasting and fast offerings are thought-provoking and inspiring. We are blessed in so many ways by this important Gospel principle. This excerpt highlights one of them: the spiritual strength that comes as we fast.
Isaiah's beautiful promise for those who keep the law of the fast is available for us to claim. It includes:
- increased spiritual light
- an added measure of physical health
- growing righteousness
- protection from the Lord.
- answers to our prayers
Who would not desire those blessings?? We should seek them eagerly as we fast and make our offerings to the Lord.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)
No comments:
Post a Comment