I am one of those people who have a word for the year.  As I prayed about the year ahead the word emergence kept coming up.  Emergence is defined as the process of coming into being; the process of coming into view or becoming exposed after being concealed, becoming known, springing up, surfacing, dawn, start, rise, blossoming, blooming.  I feel in my bones that this year will be the year that something new will emerge.

In February, I turned 40.  I had a conversation with a friend about the significance of 40, and feeling like the Israelites in the wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.  That conversation put words to what I had been feeling, I believe that I am on my way out of the wilderness and about to walk into my promised land.  That conversation sent me looking into other instances of 40 in the Bible.

40 is thought to represent a time of hardships, tribulations, and spiritual challenges.  The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness.  It rained for 40 days and nights flooding the earth. Jesus fasted for 40 days then faced temptation.  Moses was 40 when he visited his people, the Israelites.  Goliath taunted the Israelites for 40 days then David killed him.  40 days between the crucifixion and the Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  Saul, David, and Solomon ruled for 40 years.  40 years is considered a generation in the Bible.  40 was the suffering and the hard stuff but deliverance came in 41.

I’m not sure what exactly will emerge in this 41^st year but I am watching with expectation, hope, and excitement.  I know a new life is about to begin, or perhaps it already has and more of the redemptive story will continue to emerge this year.  I am on the brink of a new beginning.

What hard stuff have you experienced in your “40”?  Hold tight my friend, your deliverance will come and you will emerge stronger in Christ.  May we land on His Grace.