Forty-year cycles
By Craig J. Brown II, President & CEO
*Editor’s note: This information was published in the August 2021 issue of Heartfelt Magazine, CHM’s monthly magazine that provides CHM membership-related tips and tricks, medical advice from doctors, testimonies from CHM members, and more. Please refer to the CHM Guidelines and applicable web pages for the most up-to-date information regarding CHM membership, sharing eligibility, and ministry news.*
CHM has grown phenomenally over its 40-year history. In the early days, it had a smaller constituency and fewer challenges. Today, CHM serves a more diverse group of people than could have been imagined 40 years ago. However, we rely upon the Lord’s favor and leadership to guide us. There is confidence that CHM will be sustained by God’s providential help.
Relying on the Lord's help: Then and now
The narrator of Judges mentions several periods of 40 years when describing the length of the reign of particular judges in Israel. Othniel, Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Eli all led the Israelites during a period of 40 years (Judges 3:11; 5:31; 8:28; and 1 Samuel 4:18). The Philistines oppressed the Israelites for 40 years until Samson’s birth (Judges 13:1).
In the early days of the judges, the leaders were humbled by the enormity of their tasks and relied on the Lord’s help as they embarked on their missions. Gideon earnestly sought the Lord’s voice to make sure that it was God speaking to him. When he knew God was leading, he had great courage. At the Lord’s direction, he reduced his 30,000-man army to 300. Gideon’s attitude of humility and reliance on the Lord is the attitude that opens us up to God’s favor and blessings.
We must never lose sight of the faith of CHM’s early leaders and members. God was at work ahead of every obstacle, preparing us for the challenge. We can be sure that God perfectly understands the future and we must learn to always cling to Him.
“He gives His loving-favor to those who do not try to honor themselves” (1 Peter 5:5 b).
