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After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 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.

Abram (later known as “Abraham”) was down. God had made some awesome promises to him—that he’d become a great nation, his descendants would inherit the land of Israel, and most importantly, someday, the Savior would be one of his descendants. Amazing promises!

However, Abram had no children. How could he become a great nation if he didn’t have a child?

God allayed his fears and concerns. He took Abram 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.”

The word of God was fulfilled just as he promised. Later, God gave a son to Abram and his wife; they named him Isaac. Isaac gave birth to twin boys, and one of those, Jacob, ended up with twelve sons and a daughter, and the great nation had begun—the nation from whom Jesus would be born.

When you’re struggling, look up into the night sky. When you see all the stars, recall how God fulfilled his promise to Abram. Then, like Abram, believe God, who keeps his promises that he gives you in his Word.

O faithful God, remind me that you always keep your promises so that I might live in confidence and joy. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.