Genesis 15

He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars- if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So, shall your offspring be”. 

What must it have been like for Abram to hear God utter those words? To hear God utter the impossible, or so he thought.

Like most men in ancient times, Abram longed for a child of his own and an heir who would carry on his name. However, biologically speaking, having kids was out of the question for Abram and Sarai.

But God had promised that they would have a son.

Abram’s feeling dispirited, like a child on Christmas Day without the present he really wanted. ‘How can my reward be very great!?’ he grumbles. ‘You’ve given me no children…’.

God understands our own frustrations, doubts and our constant questioning. And like a gracious, patient and loving Father, I believe he will never cease in helping us to understand his ways, like how he graciously illustrates his faithfulness to Abram, through the stars in the sky.

But, we must trust him. We are called to have a faith like that of Abram, who believed, perhaps without fully understanding God’s star illustration.  Or like the faith of the woman who gripped at Jesus’ cloak in the packed street, trusting that if she could just touch his clothes she’d be healed.

We are called to trust in Him, who created us and understands our fears, doubts and frustrations better than anyone. With confidence we can cling to Him, knowing that he will never leave us. Never ever.

 

Matt Brod (from England!)