The Real Fast

by Esther Hansen

Fasting had always been difficult for me. In fact, I usually gave in to hunger. This time I was determined to do it right.

Esther Hansen, "The Real Fast," New Era, May 2002, 11
"Kids," Mom said as she gathered us around her, "your uncle has to have surgery. He has a tumor. Would you be willing to fast for him?" she asked, her eyes wet with tears.

"Sure, Mom, we'll fast for him," I said in unison with my brothers and sisters.

Dad continued, "This surgery is very risky because the tumor is near his brain. We are going to have a family fast on Sunday, the day before his surgery. Do you think you can help?" he added while we all nodded.

I really wanted to do this for my uncle, but I was a bit nervous. It had always been hard for me to fast. I would usually just give up because I was so hungry. I decided this was my chance to do it right.

Sunday came, and I started my fast with a prayer. I asked Heavenly Father to let my uncle get through the surgery. I asked Him to bless the doctors that they would know what was best. I also asked Him to help me through the fast. I really wanted my uncle to be all right, and I wanted to fast right for once.

I went to church thinking about my uncle and hoping the operation would work. I was glad to get home from church. I decided to read the New Era to try and keep the day holy. And before I knew it, it was time to end the fast. I ended it with a prayer.

I noticed that this fast felt different from all the other times I had tried to fast. When I didn't think about myself, or crave food, the fast went smoothly and felt meaningful.

The next day my uncle had surgery. Again I asked Heavenly Father to bless him. The surgery was successful, and my uncle was fine.

I felt great. I knew my fast had helped him. I thanked Heavenly Father and was filled with joy and love.

Not only did my uncle make it through his surgery, but I had a great feeling. I would no longer think fasting was just going without food. I would always remember the power that helped my uncle and taught me the value of fasting and prayer.

Gospel topics: fasting, prayer

[illustration] Illustrated by Greg Newbold