“Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Gen. 15:5)
God was working powerfully in the life of Abraham. But Abraham had a problem; he was suffering from tunnel vision, at least in the spiritual sense. Despite God’s promise to make him into a great nation, Abraham could see only one thing—he and his wife had not been able to have children. And, according to the laws of their culture, anything Abraham left behind at his death would be given to one of his employees. God helped correct Abraham’s tunnel vision by inviting him to gaze into the heavens, and further expanding His promise by telling Abraham that his offspring would be as innumerable as the stars.
Abraham’s problem wasn’t unique. It’s easy to focus on our own limitations and to imagine that God will not or cannot work beyond them to bless us and use us in His plan. You’ll find the answer in the same way Abraham did, by focusing on God’s promises and on His ability to fulfill those promises in your life. Do you have an illness, a financial bind, or a family situation that tempts you to limit God? Look instead at His assurances to strengthen you, to guide you, and to supply your needs. And when His promises are fulfilled in your life, ask God to extend His blessing to others as well, just as He did through Abraham.
Check yourself regularly for spiritual tunnel vision, and trust God to help you correct it.
Paul Zinter serves as a substitute teacher. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
