When we designed The Crucible inside Forge Tribe, the length was not arbitrary. It comes from a pattern that appears again and again throughout Scripture. In the Bible, 40 days is a period God often uses to test, purify, prepare, and commission His people for what comes next. Before major turning points in God’s story, there is often a 40-day season of pressure, surrender, and transformation. Here are some of the most significant examples: The Flood — Genesis 7:12 Rain fell for 40 days and 40 nights, cleansing the earth before a new beginning with Noah. Noah Waits — Genesis 8:6 After the flood, Noah waited 40 days before opening the ark to see what God had done. Moses on Mount Sinai — Exodus 24:18; 34:28 Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights with God receiving the Law and later interceding for Israel. The Spies in Canaan — Numbers 13:25 Israel explored the Promised Land for 40 days before the nation faced a decision of faith. Goliath’s Challenge — 1 Samuel 17:16 For 40 days, Israel faced the taunts of Goliath before David stepped forward in faith. Elijah’s Journey — 1 Kings 19:8 Elijah traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb, where God renewed his calling. Nineveh’s Warning — Jonah 3:4 Nineveh was given 40 days to repent before judgment. Jesus in the Wilderness — Matthew 4:1–2 Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. After the Resurrection — Acts 1:3 Jesus spent 40 days teaching His disciples before sending them out to change the world. Across Scripture, the pattern is consistent: 40 days is a season of testing before mission. A season of purification before calling. A season of surrender before leadership. It is the length of time God often uses to reshape hearts before He sends men forward. That is why The Crucible is 40 days. Not as a challenge for the sake of hardship. But as a biblically grounded season of refinement. A time for men to strip away distraction, confront their idols, deepen their dependence on Christ, and emerge ready to live with greater clarity, conviction, and brotherhood.

My name is David Ward (Jr) and I live in Birmingham, AL. @Pete Stone invited me and I'm looking forward to an intentional season of seeking Christ more than I've been doing lately in life. I've been married to Kara for 15 years and we have 4 kids (8,6,4,2). In my professional life I'm a financial advisor and in my personal life I like to run (somtimes far but normally short) and rock climb (sometimes really big mountains but normally plastic stuff). Don't confuse me with the og version: @David Ward