Jun 2, 2015
My 30-hour (stead)fast!
by Bill Probasco
Many youth groups have participated in 30-hour fasts. It is a way of experiencing hunger like some underprivileged individuals do, as well as exploring the spiritual benefits of fasting as mentioned in the Bible. I, however, got to experience a 30-hour steadfast this past May. My son Liam recently “crossed over” into Boy Scouts. His first camping trip was to Gettysburg, PA, during the first weekend of May. Also scheduled that same weekend were the Alleghany Association meetings in Little Genesee, NY. So, after seeing my son off to bed in his tent at 11 PM Friday night somewhere near Gettysburg, I drove two hours north before finally settling for the night (or was that settling for the morning?). Awake by 6:30 AM to get ready for the day, I was off again Sabbath morning, driving the remaining three hours in time to reach Little Genesee before Morning Worship. I was honored to bring the message to the Association, well-represented by at least five different churches. Following a wonderful lunch (both food and fellowship!), I shared with congregants what is planned for Conference in July. Upon finishing my Conference presentation, I was back on the road for five more hours in time to meet my son’s troop as they were eating dessert (a well-timed arrival!). The Scouts finally headed for their tents that night around 11:30 PM. I managed to sleep…in my sleeping bag…in a tent…on the ground, for almost four hours. So, between midnight Friday night and 6 AM Sunday morning, I managed to physically and mentally fatigue myself. But you know what? I realized I hadn’t “spiritually” fatigued myself. I shared in a wonderful worship service with the good folks at Little Genesee. There was awesome fellowship; a chance to reconnect with old friends; opportunity to meet new ones; share about conference activities; and just feel at peace with God and my fellow SDBs. The long rides gave me an opportunity to enjoy back roads and wonderful scenery. To my surprise, the Boy Scouts, on Sunday morning, worked on their “a Scout is reverent” motto and held a short church service which Liam helped lead. I was reminded, in my exhausted state, the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…” Being at our weakest, or most exhausted, is the perfect opportunity to realize: when we can’t stand up, God’s steadfast strength stands out!
