He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars-if indeed you can count them." Then [H]e said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Genesis 15:5 (ESV)
Did Abram completely trust in the power
and strength of God at all times? No, he
didn’t, for he, like the rest of us, was imperfect, and bent by a sinful nature
toward doubt. He too needed to
occasionally hear the LORD’s encouragement that He would always be his shield
and protector.
One night, He showed Abram the vastness
of the Milky Way and had him look at the stars, challenging him to count them if he could. He promised him that He would make Abram’s descendants as
numerous as the stars he was looking at (Genesis 15:5).
Paul writes that Abraham believed God was
as good as His word, and it was credited to him as righteousness. He goes on to
say it was not credited to him alone, but also for us who believe in Him who
raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 4:22-24).
Yes, God is good. His response to us is individually tailored
to meet our individual needs, and all His promises are strong and true and will stand forever. His promise and will for you may not
be a miracle of fathering a child of promise at 100 years old, but all your
needs are just as important to Him, and to Him it’s personal.
Peace to you today. Trust in such a gracious and good Father
King. There is no need to be afraid, for He is your shield and
very great reward with mercies too numerous to even count. They never fail. He isn’t just a God who offers you the
moon. He gives you the stars.
Ken
