This is my fourth year to "celebrate" the 40 days before my birthday. To be honest, I almost didn't even try this year, but when talking with my sister, we talked about 40 days--the fun of celebrating for that long, the benefits, and many different things. After talking with her, I just couldn't miss this.
If you've spent any time with me here at Patterings, you've heard this before, but I need this reminder...
When we see 40 days in the Bible, it is a time when God made major changes and transformations. It's a journey that leads to growth and change. Preparation.
Think about the changes God made in these times...
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Noah—40 days and 40 nights of rain.
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Moses—his whole life went by 40 year increments--starting with being 40 when he fled from Pharaoh and started a new life, 40 years on the backside of the desert, and 40 years leading Israel, then also 40 days on Mount Sinai.
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Israel—ate manna for 40 years while wandering in the desert.
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Spies that Moses sent out—in Canaan for 40 days.
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Elijah—in the wilderness for 40 days.
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Jonah—warned Nineveh they had 40 days to repent.
I want changes in my life.
I want to be susceptible to God.
I want to catch His drift for my life.
So these next 40 days will be a time of seeking God. I wish I could withdraw from life for this time, but I can't. In fact, it could be busier than usual, which means I'll have to be intentional in this...which just might be the key to all this. =)
So tell me, have you done 40 days for something or is there something you might consider a special 40 day period for?
EVERY year you do this, I seriously ponder doing the same for my birthday. And I never remember to figure out what day I would start ;) So I'm gonna do that RIGHT now... okay - I'm back. June 25.
ReplyDeletePraying for you through these 40 days (and every other day!).
LoL, Jo. Glad you found out what day it is. I KNOW this has made a difference in my life.
DeleteThanks so much for your prayers. I know they've made a difference too!! =] Hugs!!