As a child, I would sit with my family on the steps of the front porch of our house on those hot summer nights. I remember looking at the brightest star in the sky, wondering if that was the Christmas star, the star that guided the shepherds and wisemen to baby Jesus. I still think the stars are amazing. A few weeks ago, when our communities had a power outage, I ended up outdoors looking up at the stars. The night was so dark without the lights in our town; however, the stars were brilliant and seemed endless.

Don’t you wonder when you look up at a clear night sky, just how many stars are there? When we read this text in Genesis 15:1-12, we can only imagine how overwhelmed Abram must have felt having a conversation with God as he stood under that night sky all those many years ago. Years ago, Abram answered God’s call and followed God faithfully. Abram left his country and his father’s house in response to God’s command, “Go,” and God’s promise of blessing and prosperity. In fact, Abram left without asking any questions. Abram answered God’s call and followed God faithfully, but there is a missing piece to God’s promise, the promise of an heir. Abram begins to question whether this promise will ever happen. Abram finally says,“Wait a minute, I have a question. How can this be, since I do not have a child?” God responds by taking Abram outside saying,“Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.”

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