Section 1: The Light of the World
I sat on my aunt’s back deck freshman year of high school and stared at the tar-colored sky dotted with light, like a blanket tucking in the earth at bedtime. The expanse invited me into something grander than algebra homework or daydreaming about my current crush. The heavens declare the glory of God—even to those who don’t know Jesus. Weeks later someone shared the gospel with me at a slumber party, and I believed. Marveling at the night sky prepared my heart for faith in the Creator.
God used the stars to birth faith in Abram, too. When God told Abram to look at the expanse and try to count the stars, He promised him, “Your offspring will be that numerous” (Genesis 15:5). Abram believed (v.6).
Abram left everything he knew—his extended family, an assurance of wealth and place—to follow a voice that called him by name. Like a blindfolded trust-walk, Abram took step by step in the wilderness, moving forward in God’s plan for his life. When he started to question the journey, he simply needed to glance up to the stars to remember that the Creator could perform wonders and is mighty in power (Job 9:10, Psalm 147:5). The one who numbered the uncountable stars promised to make Abram into a great nation (Genesis 22:17–18). Could God not do it?
I wish God spoke to us so clearly like He directed Abram at times. Sometimes we feel unsure of God’s plans for us. We wander in our own wilderness, wondering how to move forward. I’ve been there—numerous times. Why is this so hard? God, when will you answer my prayers?
Living by faith sometimes requires us to wait with expectation for the unseen. Abram waited in expectation for the land and offspring God promised, and he missed the full reality of these promised blessings this side of eternity (Hebrews 11:8–16). But he still believed God would complete it, that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:1–6).
Last year my family and I experienced unseen promises fulfilled. A job position we prayed about for three years finally opened for my husband. But in those three years of waiting? I whined. Grumbled. Even doubted God’s direction. Yet every time I threw a pity party for one, the Spirit reminded me to stand confident in what we hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). Are you sitting in your own dark night, unsure how things will all pan out? You’re not alone. Even Abram asked, “How can I know?” to the Lord of the universe when he wanted assurance that everything would work out just right (Genesis 15:8).
Maybe a life of faith is about putting our hope and trust in God alone. Maybe we all need to look up to the stars and remember God is at work. The One who made the Orion, the Bear constellation, and more is in control of the constellation of our lives.
Such a peacefulness in the stars! Imagine our God naming each one! Imagine having a conversation with God that when things seemed bleak and hopeless and you were preparing for “plan B,” God shows up to speak to you. In the peacefulness of the stars He says, “I have a plan! Do you trust My plan?” Reminds me that I need not panic to come up with a Plan B. God will never fail us!
I loved the part about Abraham missing the full reality of the Lord’s promises this side of heaven because he was so focused on what was to come. I personally feel like I’m so set on getting to that next point in my life that I forget to just stop and take in that I’m exactly where I prayed to be when I was younger. Such a good perspective this season to just enjoy where I am, even while waiting for his promises!
Loved reading these devotionals and the star imagery.
God gave me a cool vision when I was looking at the Christmas trees in our church all lit up but not decorated. I can’t help but think how much the tree lights feel like the stars in a dark night sky. It reminds me of God’s promise to Abraham and his generations being as numerous as the stars and the promise he continues through sending Jesus to literally dwell with mankind.
I hope when you look at your trees this year you see the lights as tons of stars lighting up the sky.
This was beautiful!! Stunning testimony of God using the night sky to prepare a young girl’s heart to believe the gospel. This encouraged my faith today.
Wow this is so good. I think I highlighted every scripture! Our state in Australia has just forced teachers to get vax there are many ppl who will lose their jobs. I think it comes down to seeking god for direction. Not looking back… by faith . Faith is all we have. And faith is all we need. But in the human realm oh does it feel way more complicated than that!!
Today’s comments and yesterday’s are both on here today or jumbled, but nevertheless, always love to read through them! Definitely good insights today!
@ Kat, your comment did show up!
Sometimes I can get so legalistic in my approach. I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m so rigid, but I also can easily look at this scripture and say “it’s for the kingdom of god, my blessings don’t matter”. But no, Abraham’s promise was very personal, not just corporate. This is encouraging me to go before God for my personal needs in a more bold way. He cares about our place in the Kingdom as He also cares about our personal accomplishments and provision!
I agree!! Amen!