I am a numbers person and enjoy finding patterns in everyday life. So, I was excited to discover that last Thursday marked exactly 41 days until my 41st birthday.
Since I don’t believe in coincidences, I decided to investigate the significance of the number 41, not from a numerology standpoint but to see if God was revealing something to me through this number pattern. I have always enjoyed a good mystery, and this was no exception.
After researching the number for a while, I started to get a little discouraged. I found several things about the number 40, but only a few obscure entries concerning the number 41. It wasn’t until late last Thursday night that I stumbled upon a book titled 41 Will Come: Holding on When Life Gets Tough and Standing Strong Until a New Day Comes by Pastor Chuck E. Tate.
My heart jumped with anticipation when I read the title. I quickly downloaded the book to my e-reader app and began to peruse the first few chapters.
Tate begins the book with several examples from the Bible about victory coming on the 41st day/year – Noah leaving the ark, Jesus overcoming the wilderness, the Israelites entering the promised land, etc… Tate explains how 40 represents the struggle, but 41 signifies breakthrough.
If you have read any of my recent blog posts, you have probably noticed a pattern. I am going through a challenging life season. The last few months, although sprinkled with glimmers of hope, have been some of my toughest.
According to Tate (on page 5), “‘Forty-One will come’ is a declaration that things will get better, the rain will stop, the sun will shine, the day will break, the page will turn, the answer will show up, the pipe dream will become a reality, the Promised Land will be inhabited, and the giant will fall.”.
I have been staring at several large and intimidating giants, some unturned pages, and glimpses of a promised land for many years. And although I am thankful for every challenging circumstance I have faced and I am doing my best to embrace God’s transforming process in each one, God knew I could use an extra dose of encouragement.
I love that he cares enough to bring hope to his children, even if it means using a fascination with numbers and patterns to do it.
Look out 41, here I come!
#41WillCome