Ever notice that there seems to be something special about 40 in the Bible?
- Gen. 7:12 – it rained 40 days and 40 nights
- Ex. 24:!8 – Moses was on Mt. Sinai 40 days and 40 nights
- Num. 13:25 – The Israelite spies took 40 days to scout out the Promised Land.
- Mark 1:13 – “and He (Jesus) was in the wilderness 40 days…”
- Acts 1:3 – Following His bodily resurrection Jesus spent 40 days on the earth.
The Bible itself doesn’t specifically ascribe any special meaning to 40 days, but it seems to be associated with a time of both transition and testing. Among other things, it was during the 40 days after His bodily resurrection that Jesus restored some and extended grace to those who had denied him or fled. He used this time to strengthened them all, equip them, and He made their assignment crystal clear (Acts 1:8).
Perhaps you’re in a season of transition, as well. Perhaps its a career, residence, or relationship.
It may appear as if you’re in limbo but truth is God doesnt waste seasons. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: To all things there is a time, and a season for every matter under heaven. All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven” (Eccl 3:1).
After Jesus ascended into heaven, Luke records that the angels were somewhat humourously asking the disciples, “So, what are you standing around for? You heard what Jesus said. You’ve got some work to do” (Acts 1:11 my personal paraphrase). The same is true for you and I. In whatever season you may find yourself in, God has a purpose for it. Regardless of the season you find yourself in, use it to make His love and offer of forgiveness known. Be alert and open for how God is preparing you right now for your next season and assignment.
