40

I’ve been thinking a lot about the significance of the number 40 lately. It certainly appears very prominently in certain events in the Bible. Think about it: Noah’s ark was afloat for 40 days and 40 nights. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Hmm…maybe there’s something to this number.

According to Biblical references, “40” can refer to a long trial, or a probation of some kind. Noah spent 40 days and nights in the ark while the world was under water. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering the land without a home. Jesus spent 40 days and nights without food in the wilderness. In each instance, they had to completely trust and rely on the Lord. These were periods of testing…and preparation.

It’s amazing when you stop to think about what happens after the trial has ended. After 40 days, the waters stopped—and when they receded, Noah stepped off the ark onto a new earth (Genesis 7-8). After 40 years, the Israelites entered the promised land, a place flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 8). After Jesus’ 40-day fast, He began the greatest ministry known to man (Matthew 4).

There used to be a saying among sassy older women that went, “Life begins after 40.” From a Biblical perspective, perhaps those earlier years were just trial and error for the fabulous 40-somethings they were to become.

Thank God that after the trial of 40 we can enjoy His countless blessings!