THE STORY OF 40

A Journey of transformation through trials, preparation, and purpose

Throughout Scripture, the number 40 marks seasons of testing, transformation, and divine encounter. The Story of 40 is a five-part Bible study that traces these pivotal moments—from the floodwaters of Noah to the wilderness fast of Jesus, from Israel’s wandering to the anointing of kings and the birth of the early Church.

Each chapter explores a distinct spiritual theme: Separation, Equipping, Conflict, Calling, and Response. These are drawn from key 40-day (or 40-year) moments in biblical history. You’ll be invited to reflect deeply on your own journey of waiting, wilderness, preparation, and purpose.

Whether you’re navigating a season of uncertainty or stepping into new territory, this study offers rich insight and space for personal application, helping you discern how God uses “40 seasons” to shape His people for what lies ahead.

Chapter 1: Separation & Stripping

Genesis 7:4
“For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights…”

Reflection: The flood signifies a cleansing and a new beginning through judgment.

Genesis 50:3
“Forty days were required for it, for that is how many are required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.”

Reflection: The 40-day embalming period for Jacob signifies a time of mourning and preparation for transition.

Exodus 16:35
“The people of Israel ate the manna forty years, till they came to a habitable land…”

Reflection: God provides daily sustenance during prolonged periods of transition.

Numbers 13:25
“At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land.”

Reflection: Exploration and assessment precede significant decisions and actions.

Chapter 1 Themes: Disruption, Loss, Preparation, Waiting, Mourning, Enduring

How do you handle seasons of “wandering” or uncertainty?

What are you currently scouting out or discerning in your life, like the spies in Canaan?

Chapter 2: Encounter & Equipping

Deuteronomy 9:9
“When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water.”

Reflection: Moses’ fasting underscores the seriousness of receiving God’s covenant and the need for spiritual readiness.

1 Kings 19:7-8
“And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.”

Reflection: Divine sustenance empowers us for journeys toward deeper understanding.

Matthew 4:1–11
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.“

Reflection: Jesus’ temptation highlights the importance of spiritual resilience and reliance on Scripture.

Chapter 2 Themes: Revelation, Calling, Time with God, Fasting

When have you had a “mountaintop” moment with God? What changed afterward?

How do you prepare yourself to meet God and grow closer to Him?Chapter 3: Conflict & Consequence

Chapter 3: Conflict & Consequence

Judges 13:1
“And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.”

Reflection: Disobedience can lead to extended periods of hardship and oppression.

1 Samuel 17:16
“For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.”

Reflection: Persistent challenges test our faith and courage.

Ezekiel 4:6
“And when you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right side, and bear the punishment of the house of Judah. Forty days I assign you, a day for each year.”

Reflection: Ezekiel’s symbolic suffering mirrors how individual faithfulness often stands in the gap for collective disobedience. Even God’s justice carries an invitation to turn back.

Jonah 3:4
“Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, ‘Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!'”

Reflection: God’s warnings provide opportunities for repentance and transformation.

Chapter 3 Themes: Challenge, Resistance, Consequences, Breakthrough, Patience

How do you respond when you are under pressure or feel tested by circumstances?

What have been the consequences of disobedience in your life? and the grace that followed?

Chapter 4: Appointed & Anointed

Acts 13:21
“Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.”

Reflection: Leadership roles come with significant responsibility and divine oversight.

2 Samuel 5:4
“David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.”

Reflection: David’s reign exemplifies a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

1 Kings 11:42
“And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.”

Reflection: Solomon’s wisdom and leadership had a lasting impact on Israel.

Acts 1:3
“He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”

Reflection: Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances solidified the foundation of the early church.

Chapter 4 Themes: Entrusted, Positioned, Preparation

What leadership or influence has God entrusted to you right now?

Do you feel like you’re in a season of preparation or stepping into a calling?

Chapter 5: The Response

Psalm 40:1–17
“I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear.¹ Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me!O LORD, make haste to help me! Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!” But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!”

Reflection: This psalm encapsulates the journey from despair to praise, emphasizing trust in God’s deliverance.

Chapter 5 Themes: Deliverance, Gratitude, Proclamation.

Can you recall a time when God lifted you out of a “pit”? What changed?

What “new song” is God putting in your mouth right now?

What part of Psalm 40 speaks to your current season? and why?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.