25 Jul: Honest Talks with God
Look up into the sky and count the stars. Genesis 15:5
Scripture Reading: Genesis 15:1–6
Lara and Dave longed to have a child, but after medical tests, their doctor told them they couldn’t. It was heartbreaking news. During that season, Lara admitted, “I found myself having some very honest talks with God.” After one of those conversations, she and Dave met with their pastor, who introduced them to an adoption ministry at their church. A year later, God blessed them with an adopted baby boy.
Genesis 15 records another honest conversation, this time between Abram and God. The Lord had just encouraged him, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great” (Genesis 15:1). Yet Abram didn’t pretend everything was fine. He poured out what was weighing on his heart and replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son?” (Genesis 15:2).
God had already promised Abram, “ I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth” (Genesis 13:16). Even so, Abram struggled to understand how that promise could become reality while he still had no children. Instead of rebuking him for asking questions, God patiently strengthened his faith. He brought Abram outside and said, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can.” Then He declared, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (Genesis 15:5).
What an encouragement it is to know that God welcomes our honest prayers. He is not offended when we come to Him with our fears, questions, or disappointments. He listens with compassion and reminds us that His promises remain true, even when we cannot yet see how they will unfold.
In time, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning “father of many,” fulfilling His promise in a way only He could. Like Abraham, we can bring every concern before God with sincerity, trusting that His plans are always good and that He will accomplish His purpose in His perfect time.
By: Micah Raybon
Go deeper on: Honest Talks with God
Reflect & Pray
How do you think Abraham felt when God encouraged Him in such a difficult moment? What candid conversation do you need to have with God today?
Loving heavenly Father, thank You for caring about even the most intimate details of my life. Help me to stay close to You in prayer today.