Book Alert: 40 Things I Learned in 40 Years – My Birthday Reflections

“Some people say that life begins at 40. I kind of disagree with that. Life begins when you discover your life purpose, and commit yourself to it.” – Daniel C. Okpara

Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

The day I turn forty.

Usually, I don’t do birthdays, but this one is significant because of the number.

Bible numerologists believe that the number, 40, generally symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation. During Moses’ life, he lived forty years in Egypt and forty years in the desert before God enabled him to lead his people out of slavery.

The number 40 is mentioned in the Bible over 146 times, always used for very significant events. Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights, on two separate occasions receiving God’s commandments (Exodus 24:18, 34:1 – 28). Noah was in the ark, while the rains fell for 40 days. Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before He received power to fulfill His assignment.  He ascended to heaven after 40 days. In the world, pass mark starts at 40.

These may not mean much to many, but I personally believe that forty is a period of transitioning from one stage of life to another stage.

I believe that my life is moving from the stage where it is now to another stage – a stage of more focus and commitment to God’s assignment for my life.

This period has offered me the opportunity to sit down and reflect. To think about my birth, my growing up, the community where I come from, my call, my challenges, my victories, my failures, my successes, my family, my state, my country, my wife, my children, etc.

So many things have crossed my mind as I turn forty. Sometimes I get worried that I have not done much, compared to my age mates. Other times, I try to remind myself what the Bible says in Galatians 6:4 (NIV):

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”

I accept that I’ve not been perfect – I have made many mistakes – much more than I even know. I agree that I’ve not achieved all I wanted to achieve. But I’m happy that the path before me is much clearer now; and I am confident in this: that He who began a good work in me will bring it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

In this book, I am sharing some of the lessons I have learned about life in this forty years. These are some convictions I have formed over the years and accepted them as realities. Some may speak to you directly and convince you further of their truths. And you may not agree with some. Whatever the case is, understand that you are reading the deep reflections of my life, and not necessarily traditions or doctrines upon which you must live your life.

The lessons that I share in this book are in no way step by step guides or something. They are not organized in their order of most important. I write them as they come. So I encourage you to read them as you see them.

One thing I’m sure however is that these lessons will impact your life positively. You will undoubtedly have many takeaways that will change your world.

Proceeds from This Book Will Go to Charity

A book written to celebrate my 40th birthday should be given out to people for free.

Don’t you think so?

I think so too.

But I also thought the best thing you and I could do is to support others at this time. The best joy I will have would be to visit the less privileged people around me and celebrate with them for my fortieth birthday.

Why?

Sometime in December 2014, I had a very big challenge that almost made me lose my faith in Christ.  You may have read the book, WHEN GOD IS SILENT. That experience made me so humble and I started to think if God really hears our prayers.

In the midst of that confusion and deep thoughts, I heard a voice that said to me:

“Whenever people are celebrating, there are others who are crying. Always remember them.”  

Was this the lesson God wanted to teach me after all?

Well, maybe.

From that day, I decided to dedicate all periods of celebration to visit the less privileged, pray with them and make a few of them smile.

My wife and I have done this since then without making any noise about it since we are only giving out the little we can afford.

As I turn 40, I remember this instruction once again.

So I want to use this medium to call on all my readers to:

• Say something nice to me for my birthday…

• And if you’re led to make a donation for my birthday, kindly ORDER THIS BOOK FROM AMAZON.

The lessons in the book will bless you immensely. You’ll be touched as you read my stories, encounters, and experiences that have formed my core belief in this forty years.

But more so, your purchase will be used to go touch the lives of others.

God bless you!

ORDER LINK:  40 Things I Learned in 40 Years