Count the Stars

The Story

Years had passed since God first told Abram to leave his homeland. God had promised to make him a great nation. Abram had obeyed. He had traveled hundreds of miles, lived in tents, and faced famine and war.

But he still had no children.

One night, God spoke to him in a vision. “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

Abram answered honestly. Lord, what will You give me? I’m still childless. As things stand, a servant born in my house, Eliezer of Damascus, will inherit everything I have.

God said no. Your heir will be your own son.

Then God brought Abram outside, into the night. “Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them.” Count them, if you can. “So shall thy seed be.”

Abram was an old man. His wife Sarai was past the age of having children. Nothing he could see supported the promise.

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

Reflection