The Best Answer to Prayer

The word of the Lord came to [Abraham]… “A son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars — if indeed you can count them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. — Genesis 15:4-6

Abraham had a very specific question for God — the God who had at one point promised to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Abraham and Sarah were still childless, so how exactly was God planning to keep His promise? Abraham raised this issue, respectfully addressing the Promise-Maker as “Sovereign Lord ” (Genesis 15:2).

God didn’t answer with a specific time; He didn’t give Abraham a due date to plan around. Instead, God reiterated His promise and offered an object lesson. Of course Abraham couldn’t count the stars in the sky. Neither would he be able to count his descendants. But in the meantime, God gave him no real specifics.

Sometimes when you have a question for the Lord, He may answer with only His presence. And His presence will sustain you more than any details you thought you wanted.

When God answers your prayers with His presence, that will truly be all you need.

Excerpted with permission from The Story Devotional copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Have you been praying for something specific for a long time? Maybe you’ve been asking for a spouse but are still single. Maybe you’ve been praying for a better job but still seem stuck. Maybe you’ve been asking for healing but remain unwell. The Lord does have an answer for you even if you cannot see it now. Most importantly, He is present. Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you!