Forty One?
What’s your favorite number? If you read the Bible enough, there are certain numbers that have special significance. The number one represents the unity and singularity of God. The number three signifies divine perfection and the Holy Trinity. The number seven signifies divine completeness and perfection, as seen in the creation story. There were ten plagues God sent to the Egyptians and ten commandments Moses brought down from Mount Sinai. Jesus used the number ten in many of the stories He told. There were twelve tribes of Israel, and Jesus had twelve disciples.
There are other significant numbers in the Bible, but I want to focus on the number forty-one. If you know your Bible, you are probably wondering where I’m going with this. We see the number forty in some of the most important events in the Bible. In the story of Noah, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but on day 41, the rain stopped. Moses committed murder and hid in the desert for 40 years. In year 41, God called Moses to rescue Israel. Moses went up into the mountains for 40 days. On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. In year 41, they walked into the Promised Land. Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days. On day 41, David slew him. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days in the wilderness. On day 41, the devil fled. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for 40 days. On day 41, He ascended into heaven.
I wonder how many times we have given up just short of 41?
When I was 40 years old, I experienced the worst year of my life. I wanted to quit the ministry. I was struggling with my marriage. I was confused, angry, hurt, and I felt abandoned by God. In desperation, I went to a Christian therapist at the recommendation of a friend. In year 41, with God’s help, I got my life back on track.
Are you experiencing an especially tough, maybe even brutal season of life right now? Are you tempted to quit? Have you considered that 41 is perhaps right around the corner? Maybe your marriage is on the rocks, but 41 is just on the other side of your struggle. Have you ever been so far in debt you felt helpless and even hopeless? 41 is within reach. Don’t give up. Is your teenager driving you crazy? I’ve been there. You wonder if they will ever grow up or if there’s even a slight possibility they will one day be on good terms with you again.
Hang in there—41 is coming.
One day, the rain will stop, the giants will fall, the temptations will lessen, and you will enter the Promised Land. 41 is the magic number. Don’t give up. 41 is coming.
Stay blessed,
Steve