SWORD & SPIRIT WRITER

It’s after midnight, and I took my dog out one last time, late as I often do. I can see a decent amount of stars in my city.

As my fur friend was doing her business, I stared straight up into the sky, my neck back as far as it could go.

In awe of God, I scanned the night sky, spinning slowly to take it all in in childlike wonder, watching my breath float up against the cold for Florida air. It’s 37 right now. Brrrr.

I said, “Thank You, Lord, for letting me live in a place where I could steal moments in my busy life to appreciate the stars.”

Then this questioning thought entered my mind, “Lord, You love us so much. Could it be You made all these stars with Abraham in mind because You foreknew the exact encouragement he’d need for the miracle You needed him to believe You for?”

I don’t believe He answered me with certainty on this matter, but I do wonder if He planted the question in my heart as I stood in wonder and thanksgiving for His gift of stars.

“And behold, the word of the Lord came to him (Abram who becomes Abraham), “This one shall not be your heir.” Then He brought Him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be,” (Gen 15:4-5).

God is practical, of course, and has used the stars to communicate by announcing His One and only Son, Jesus Christ, and filled man with the wisdom needed to use them to navigate the seas and their travels.

But the more I grow in the Lord, the more secure I grow in His great love for me as His child. All the ways He’s cared for me in my life. His loving presence toward me that fills my heart that’s been undeniable.

I strongly suspect that though He had much in mind when He created the stars that it could very well be He made them COUNTLESS just for Abraham whom because he believed God, it was “accounted to him for righteousness,” (Gal 3:6).

This is the love I’ve come to know as His child. A Father who gave His one and only Son knows how to give good gifts to those who ask Him (Matt 7:11).

And what my eyes also see when He brought Abraham outside to look at the stars is this:

Our good Father is always giving us ways to set us up for successful faith that receives. He’s so good He even provides all the encouragement we need. Let us have eyes that see it.

Today, we have His entire inspired Word and Holy Spirit for the faith needed to receive His YES and AMEN promises. Thank You, ABBA Father.