Lesson 39: Isaiah 40-49

September 19-25
Isaiah 40-49
"Comfort Ye My People"

Materials: blanket, Isaiah 40 cards printed front and back and cut out
Opening Song: "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymns, 6)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Take turns wrapping a warm blanket around each family member. How do they feel when the blanket is wrapped around them? We sometimes call the Holy Ghost, the comforter. Comfort often comes when we remember our blessings and our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. 

Lesson:

This weeks' chapters in Isaiah deals with the time that the Jews are taken captive. They had lost their land, their homes were gone, and the temple had been destroyed. It is hard to imagine the pain and suffering they must have felt. They were in despair and yet, they had their faith. Isaiah wrote beautiful passages about the hope and comfort that can come from our faith in the Lord. 

Activity: Hope in Christ Cards

(Before FHE, print out and cut the cards below.) Place the cards words down in front of your family. Have family take turns choosing and card and reading the scripture on the back of each card. How would this scripture have helped the Israelites to have hope during their captivity? How could this scripture give you hope when you face trials?

We might not be driven off our lands and be made slaves and captives like the Israelites had, but we each have challenges and trials that can sometimes make us feel hopeless, discouraged, and depressed. We face so many challenges today. Think to yourself what you have been struggling with? How does your faith in Christ help you to have hope amidst your adversity? 

What are some things we can do to turn to Christ when we are having a difficult time? I encourage each of you have sincere and heartfelt prayers when you are struggling, especially when you are struggling with your faith. Pour your heart out to the Lord. Prayerfully and carefully study the scriptures, especially The Book of Mormon. Look for passages like these in Isaiah that can give you comfort, hope, and counsel. If need be, fast on behalf of your trial. Attending the temple, if you're able, can also bring you peace. 

Another thing you can do is to read recent General Conference messages that are relevant to your trial. Last conference, there were many inspiring messages that can bring us hope like: 

• "Steady in the storms" by President Eyring, 
• "Fear Not: Be Believing" by Elder Holland, 
• "He is Risen with Healing in His Wings" by Elder Kearon,
•  "Lift up your hearts and rejoice" by Elder Aidukatis, 
• "Then will I make weak things become strong" by Elder Hamilton, 
• "Your Devine Nature and Eternal Desitny" by Elder Renlund, 
• "Christ Heals that which is Broken" by Sister Wright, 
• "For God So Love Us" by Elder Ringwood
• "The Power of Spiritual Momentum" by President Nelson

Mortality is hard, but the challenges of this life can be overcome as we come unto Christ. He will be with us and shoulder our burdens if we turn to him. Christ promised to not forget us, "Behold, I have graven the icon the palms of my hands" (Isaiah 49:16). Jesus's atonement is the ultimate example of help and hope. When we remember the love and sacrifice of our Redeemer, we can be comforted in our trials like a warm blanket. 

Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "I Feel My Savior's Love" (Children's Songbook, 74)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple Fritters recipe here