IDENTIFY YOUR 41
I used to be a chaplain for a professional arena football team. Several years ago, I delivered a fifteen-minute message with the team two hours before a crucial semifinal playoff game. It was “lose and go home” or “win and play for the Super Bowl of indoor football.” During my short chapel talk I shared the biblical significance of the number 41.
It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. 41 came and the rain stopped. Moses committed murder and hid on the backside of a desert for 40 years. 41 came and he received a second chance, thus becoming the rescuer of Israel. The people of Israel wandered the wilderness for 40 years. 41 came and a new generation entered their Promised Land. For 40 days, Goliath bullied Israel and taunted anyone to fight him. 41 came and David slew Goliath.
I reminded the team, “You may feel stuck on 40. Don’t quit. 41 will come.” We prayed. They played. Final score: 41-40. Boom! Is my pre-game chapel talk the reason we won the game? No. Did God use it to minister to me and each player on our team? Yes. And hopefully this delivers a shot of encouragement to you.
The first thing I want you to do during this Daniel Fast is identify your personal “41” and give it to God. Need a second chance? 41 will come. Stranded in the desert? 41 will come. Stuck in a storm? 41 will come. Wandering the wilderness? 41 will come. Facing a giant? 41 will come.
~Chuck
#41WillCome
*Click HERE to receive complete information about this year’s Daniel Fast, including a list of detailed food items to eat and avoid.
