Written in the Stars

He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:5-6 NIV)

Even the “Father of Faith” needed a visual reminder of God’s promise to bless him. As he began to grow old, Abram took an inventory of his life. He had accumulated great wealth, but had no heir to leave it to. He reasoned that his servant would inherit it (Genesis 15:2-3). But just as Abram’s faith was about to grow faint, God wrote His promise to His prophet in the stars. He took Abram outside and asked him to “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). What did Abram do after this grand spectacle? He “believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness” (v.6), even though it would still take a while longer for Abram to hold his heir in his arms.

Like Abram, there will come a time when we’ll need God to spell out His promise for us so we, too, can continue to believe and hold on to His promises. God understands that we can grow weary on this life journey, so He comes along and strengthens our faith in His eternal promises. Abram didn’t ask for a sign, God gave it to him. And it was so big and so clear, it removed all doubt in Abram’s mind. What promise(s) from God are you clinging to? Get away from all the noise and look up. It’s still going to happen when it’s supposed to happen. Trust Him.