Day 41

I am so excited to be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week spending dedicated time on my writing and listening to God’s direction surrounded by a like minded community. One of the speakers this evening, Edie Melson shared that 40 is a key number in the Bible. 40 is the number of trials, testing, and tribulations. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before they would enter the Promised Land. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah all spent 40 days fasting. In those 40 days Satan tempted Jesus time and again. Day 41 is the day of rebirth, our time of preparation and hardship leads to our renewal, our purification. Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and the Israelites all moved forward to fulfill God’s work and promises on day 41. These words resonated with me along with the song sang in worship, “It is Well With My Soul” written by Horatio Spafford. I have been in the 40 days but this week, I welcome day 41. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV)