God uses everything for good in our lives.
Genesis 50:20 applies to every area of life.
I happen to know people who are followers of Christ in other religions.
Life is too short to learn everything by personal experience.
The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days.
God does not want you to become a God; he wants you to become godly - taking on his values, attitudes, and character.