Forty is the number of trial and testing.
The season of Lent begins with a recollection of Jesus going into the wilderness for 40 days, after which He is tempted by the devil.
During Lent we take a figurative journey into the wilderness, into the wastelands, in an effort to rid ourselves of all the baggage and trappings of modern life that encumber us, in order to be closer to God.
During Lent we remember all that God sacrificed on our behalf and examine our response to His sacrifice. Do we live by His words and teachings? Do we reach out to and help our brothers and sisters who are in distress? Do we pray by our actions as well as by our words? Do we use the gifts and talents God has given us in a way that helps others? Could we do better than we have done?
Almost all of us feel we can do better. But we are a fallen people living in a fallen world and as such we are constantly bombarded with trials and temptations. This is part of the spiritual journey that we are all on, finding our way back to God, and the path is a difficult one.
The trials we meet with in life are obstacles on the road. When we overcome them, they bring out the best in us. Trials are deigned to test us and strengthen us. We come out of them stronger than we were before.
Temptations on the other hand appeal to the worst in us. Temptations seek to draw us away from the path, to distract us and make us forget about the path altogether. Temptations prey on our desire for instant gratification. God sends us trials, Satan sends us temptations.
Even outside of Lent, we all need, from time to time. to make a journey into the wilderness, to leave behind all the day to day distractions and focus on what is important in our lives. If you are frustrated in your work, if you don’t seem to be making the progress you feel you should, spend time with God. Find your own quiet place in the desert and listen to what He is telling you.
The path to God is not an easy one, but then nothing worthwhile ever is.
“O see not ye, yon narrow road, so thick beset with thorns and briars? That is the path of righteousness though after it but few enquire.”
“And see not ye that broad, broad road, that lies across the lillie leven? That is the path of wickedness, though some call it the road to Heaven.” -Thomas the Rhymer