Fasting for Father

Dustin and I had our tithing settlement with the Bishop to report that we are full tithe payers for 2007 but Bishop was concerned more about our fast offerings and challenged us to give generously for there is more blessings to receive that the Lord is willing to give us.

I have always been more than willing to pay fast offerings but Dustin mentioned to me that he feels in order to pay an honest fast that we have to fast from food first. I always would just pay our fast offerings without fasting but now I understood why Dustin had not been paying because we were not fasting!

Well, It has been too long to mention when the last time it was that I have fully fasted but the opportunity had arose for Dustin and I to finally do what our Bishop had challenged us to do. There is a very delicate triple Bypass surgery that my dear Father will be having to undergo less than a week from now.(Jan 14th Monday)
I have never felt such a stronger reason to fast and lean upon the Lord for strength and comfort until now.

As I started my fast it seemed all I could think about was food. I quickly started to train my thoughts towards my Father and seeked for spiritual food. I read the Scriptures and felt less hunger pains. I also felt a strong desire to open and read the most recent January Ensign and I came across What I felt was an answer to my fast and prayers on page 18, about Joseph Smith under the word Family. It reads:

The counsel and wisdom regarding the importance and eternal nature of the family .....written in Joseph's personal journal about his ill father: " Waited on my father again, who was very sick. In secret prayer in the morning, the Lord said, 'My servant, thy father shall live.' "......

When I read these words it struck me with such an overwhelming power of peace. As though the Lord was speaking directly to me himself saying "Margaret, thy father shall live."!!

I felt such at ease with still having the rest of the day to fast but this spiritual experience helped me to finish my fast triumphantly. I know my father will live to see longer days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dad, we love you!