Well, God bless you! It’s great to be with you today. I hope you’ll stay connected with us throughout the week through our daily podcast, YouTube channel, and social media. If you’re ever in our area, we’d love for you to join us in person at one of our services.
I like to start with something funny. I heard about a pastor who was new in town and going door-to-door inviting people to church. He knocked on one door and could tell someone was home, but no one answered. So, he left his business card with the Scripture reference Revelation 3:20 on the back: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone opens the door, I will come in.”
The next Sunday, an usher handed him the same card. Under the pastor’s reference was written Genesis 3:10: “I heard your voice and I was afraid because I was naked.”
Say it like you mean it:
This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess: My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be the same. In Jesus’ name. God bless you.
Your Day Forty-One Is Coming
I want to talk to you today about Day Forty-One Is Coming. We all go through seasons of testing, adversity, and struggle. We pray, believe, and hope for change, yet nothing seems to happen. In the Bible, these periods are often represented by the number 40—a symbolic number for testing and proving.
After Noah built the ark, it rained for 40 days.
Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days.
Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days.
Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
In life, we’ll all face “40-day seasons”—times when the challenges seem overwhelming, the storms don’t let up, or the giants appear too big to overcome. During these times, it’s tempting to get discouraged and give up. But here’s the key: Day 41 is coming.
God Has Set an End to Your Difficulty
The Scripture says, “God has set an end to the difficulty.” You may not avoid the 40 days, but Day 41 will always come.
- After it rained for 40 days, the rain stopped on Day 41, and Noah and his family were saved.
- After Jesus was tempted for 40 days, angels appeared on Day 41 to strengthen Him.
- After Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days, David showed up on Day 41 and defeated him.
Whatever you’re facing—a health issue, a financial struggle, or a family situation—know that God has already scheduled an expiration date for your trouble.
Testing Leads to Greater Things
When God told Noah to build the ark, it had never rained. People mocked him, yet he stayed obedient. Noah didn’t face his 40 days because he was lazy or disobedient. He faced them because he honored God.
Sometimes, your 40 days come not because you did something wrong, but because you did something right. God allows seasons of testing to prepare you for greater things. He sees the end from the beginning. While you see the storm, He sees the sunshine on Day 41.
The Scripture says, “Having done all to stand, keep standing.” Don’t give up. Keep the faith. The storm isn’t how your story ends. Day 41 is on the way.
God Sustains You in the Storm
Even in the storm, God is with you. Think about Noah. For 40 days, torrential rains fell, yet God kept him safe. The same storm that destroyed others caused Noah to rise higher.
When you’re in a 40-day season, you may not see it, but God is sustaining you. He’s giving you strength to endure and favor to persevere. You’ll look back and wonder how you made it through—and the answer will be, God kept me.
Your Breakthrough Is Closer Than You Think
Like Noah, you might wake up each day thinking, It’s still raining. Nothing’s changing. But one day, seemingly out of nowhere, the rain will stop, the storm will end, and the sun will shine again.
You may be in Day 25 or Day 39 right now. You can’t see it, but a shift is coming. God is about to do something sudden, something unexpected. Your health will improve. Your child will come home. Your business will take off. Like Noah, you’ll wake up one morning, and everything will be different.
As Psalm 30:5 reminds us:
A Test of Faith
The 40-day season is often a test of faith. Will you trust God when it’s raining? Will you stay faithful when the medical report hasn’t improved or when your dreams seem out of reach?
How you respond during the storm will determine how soon you see your Day 41. When you keep praising, trusting, and standing firm, you’re showing God that you’re ready for what’s next.
Jesus’ 40 Days
Even Jesus experienced 40 days of testing. After His baptism, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness. For 40 days, He was tempted by the enemy. It wasn’t easy, but Jesus resisted and passed the test.
On Day 41, angels came to strengthen Him. He returned with a new power and authority, stepping into the destiny God had declared over Him.
You Are the David in Your Story
When Goliath taunted the Israelites, they ran in fear. But on Day 41, a young shepherd named David showed up. He wasn’t intimidated. With a single stone, he brought the giant down.
You might be waiting for someone else to defeat your giant, but here’s the truth: You are the David in your story. God has equipped you to overcome what’s standing in your way. The same God who helped David will help you.
Keep Expecting Day 41
Like Noah sending out the dove, keep looking for signs of God’s goodness. Keep believing that things are getting better. Don’t let the storm become permanent in your mind.
The same God who stopped the rain for Noah, who brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, and who strengthened Jesus in the wilderness is working in your life. He’s already scheduled your breakthrough, your healing, and your restoration.
Your Best Days Are Still Ahead
You may feel like you’re stuck in a wilderness, but remember: the Israelites’ wilderness years ended, and they stepped into their Promised Land. The same will happen for you. Day 41 will bring favor, opportunity, and blessings like you’ve never seen.
A Closing Prayer
If you’ve never made Jesus the Lord of your life, I want to give you the opportunity now. Pray this simple prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make You my Lord and Savior.”
If you prayed that prayer, we believe you’ve been born again. Find a good Bible-based church and keep God first place.
Day 41 is coming. Keep the faith, and trust that God has already scheduled your breakthrough. In Jesus’ name, amen.
