FORTY FORWARD

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment—40 years beyond high school graduation, standing at what Scripture calls a 'generation.' This message takes us deep into the biblical significance of the number 40, a period consistently marking testing, trial, and transformation throughout Scripture. From Noah's 40 days of rain bringing judgment and renewal, to Moses' three distinct 40-year periods that shaped him into a deliverer, to Jesus' 40-day fast preparing Him for spiritual warfare—we see that 40 represents transition. The story of David and Goliath becomes our central focus, particularly those 40 days Goliath defied Israel's armies while grown men cowered in fear. Then came a 17-year-old shepherd boy with five smooth stones and unshakeable faith. What makes this narrative powerful for us today is recognizing that we're in our own transitional moment. We've lived roughly two-thirds of our expected years, and the question becomes: what will we do with the time remaining? David didn't rely on untested armor or someone else's methods—he used what God had already proven faithful in his life. The lions and bears he'd defeated while protecting sheep prepared him for the giant. Similarly, every challenge we've faced in our first 40 years since graduation has been preparation for what's ahead. The giant didn't fall because of the stone alone—David had to run forward, take action, move with purpose. This message calls us to stop looking backward at who we were and start moving forward into who God is calling us to become. Our past may have shaped us, but it doesn't define our destiny. Grace picked us up, turned us around, and now it's time to slay some giants.