40

The number “40” is especially significant in scripture.

When God made the decision to condemn the world of Noah, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights.

Moses spent 40 days on the mountain during which God personally inscribed The 10 Commandments on tablets of stone, and delivered them to him.

The Jewish refugees who fled Pharaoh’s Egypt languished 40 years in the desert; before being allowed to enter into Canaan.

The number “40” holds particular significance for me, as well.

For you see, I spent 40 days in my own version of the desert, like the Jews of old, living in a tent, and under similarly rudimentary conditions; rain water sweeping across the dirt floor, Claustrophobic August heat, Mosquitoes by the gallon.

Our Army National Guard unit was notified the day after Hurricane Andrew rudely blew its way into South Florida that we were needed, and were immediately expected to report to the armory.

Utter devastation greeted us. Every building, every home for twenty miles in every direction was impacted. Windows shattered. Walls splintered. Every tree and shrub stripped of their leaves.

Too much of a bad thing for far too long a time. August 25, 1992 – October 3, 1992. 40 days. Cut into the tablets of my memory; not unlike those upon which God wrote with His finger.

One solitary event ushering reason into the microcosm of chaos, and lightening, for me, an otherwise momentarily dark existence.

Three soldiers had just walked out of a local fast food restaurant; decked out in green camo’s and M-16’s hung over our shoulders. Suddenly, a young woman approached us, summarily wrapped me in her arms, and in a voice dripping with emotion exclaimed,

“You have no idea how much we appreciate the help you have given us, and the encouragement you all have been!”

A ray of hope in what was, for someone who had never known the taste of war, as close as I ever cared to come.

Scripture assures us that “No temptation has taken us, but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted above that which you are able. But will with the temptation also provide you a way of escape.” (1^st Cor. 10:13)

Just one personal example reminiscent of all those “40 Day Experiences” through which we are all certain to pass, but thankfully

… also come out the other side.
 

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from "(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary" Vol. 5