The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in days or years.
It rained for 40 days and 40 nights…
Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights…
The Israelites wandered 40 years…
Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion.
A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of stretching, trials, decrease and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal.
Thankfully, God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed directly, but in the case of “40″ and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can be certain of its importance and significance.
Because of this prophetic number… Greater Life Church is stepping out in faith and for the next 40 days, will be pursuing God by decreasing of ourselves. We have so appropriately named this… 40 days of “Decrease So He Can Increase”! This is a great time in the life of GLC and truly any church for that matter. 2012 is a year that will be marked as “That Year That Changed Everything” for so many people and churches. With this understanding of where we are standing as a church… we want to begin this year with 40 days of surrender and pursuit of God. Fasting is taking place everyday of the 40 days… Prayer at the church is taking place everyday of the 40 days… surrender, sacrifice, pursuit of HIM is taking place everyday of the 40 days!
It’s often said it doesn’t matter how you start, only how you finish… true, but sometimes how you start determines how you finish! We are determined to start with 40 days in pursuit of God! It’s going to be a great year! The foundation is being poured… everything else is relying on this!!!
