Forty Days. . .
What can you do with, or in, forty days?
That would usually be a month and plus a week or so.
Have you ever had a 40-day period that was unforgettable, pivotal, or life changing for you? Would you like to have a renewal, strengthening, clarification of your purpose?
Consider all the 40’s in the Bible. There are 157 or 159 times the word forty is mentioned in the Bible. Often the time involves a testing, a time of separation for prayer and fasting, or a trial.
How many 40-day periods can you remember? One of the most common Bible stories, Noah and the Ark, revolves around the obedience of Noah to build a boat for a flood when it hadn’t rained before! He was told by God to prepare! The rain would come. The flood would be devastating! He had to work to be ready for it and live through it. He would save his family and the animals God had created by doing what God told him. (Genesis 7:4)
Do you remember how many years the children of Israel wandered in the desert after being led out of slavery in Egypt? Yes, you right! 40 years to reach the Promised Land (Exodus 16:35, Deuteronomy 8:2)
Do you remember another 40? Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray for 40 days and nights! (Matthew 4:2). What happened? He was preparing for His ministry which would provide salvation for all mankind and forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice He made on the cross. What else happened? Jesus was tempted by Satan to give into temptations that would stop His provision of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life for those who believed in Him. Jesus stood fast and did not give in to any of the devils temptations!
Now, let’s think about the 41st! What happened on the 41st day of the rain that caused the flood and destruction; it ended! The skies cleared!
What happened in the 41st year of the Israelites wandering in the dessert? They reached the Promised Land although they still had to conquer and take it as theirs!
What happened on the 41st day of Jesus’ time of temptation, separation, and preparation in the dessert? He began his Gospel Ministry and accomplished all that God sent Him to do!
Where are you? Do you feel like you are drowning? Do you feel like you are lost and wandering in life? Do you feel like you are in the middle of gut wrenching temptations?
Stay faithful as a follower of Christ believing in Him, God, and the Holy Spirit and their power, love, and provision.
The 41st Will Come!
