by J. Randal Matheny

We set deadlines and expect payments and promises to be made and kept, post-haste.

God had promised Abram a son, and the clock was ticking still.

So man proposes, "My servant Eliezer will be my heir."

And God disposes, "Your very own son shall be your heir" (Gen. 15:4, ESV).

Man was watching the sun rise and set. Rise and set. Rise and set. He was watching the wrong light in the sky.

Man was looking at his own physical incapacity. Long unable to produce a child. It must have become something of a joke between Abram and Sarai. A long-standing joke.

The Lord redirects his sights.

"Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. ... So shall your offspring be" (verse 5).

Look toward heaven. He who created so many stars and hangs them from horizon to horizon can multiply Abram's descendents beyond count.

If Abram has a hard time believing in one son, God stretches his limits and promises him children without number.

"And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness" (verse 6).

Are you having trouble believing in some promise of the Lord Jesus Christ?

• when he says to seek first his kingdom and "all these things" will be added to your life?

• when he promises to confess you before his Father in heaven if you'll confess him before men?

• when he affirms his word will not return to him void if you proclaim the Good News?

• when he says God makes all things work for good to those who love him?

Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you can.

The exercise will stretch your limits and give you faith.