God Fulfills Our Deepest Longings

God Fulfills Our Deepest Longings
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 by Debbie W. Wilson

Categories: devotional / GUEST AUTHORS / Reviews and Interviews / TUESDAY'S TREASURE

PLEASE WELCOME

DEBBIE W. WILSON

TUESDAY’S TREASURE

Adapted from Little Faith, Big God

My teenage heart awoke to God while lying on a dock, staring at stars visible only to someone away from city lights. The smell of the marsh and the rhythmic lap of the river cast a spell that made me feel small, yet part of something magnificent.

Abraham surely felt this magic. “For the Scriptures tell us, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith’” Rom. 4:3 (nlt). Genesis says this happened while he gazed at the stars.

Abraham had defeated four wicked kings to rescue Lot and had given up his rightful monetary reward. Perhaps he worried these kings would seek retribution. Or had he been foolish not to take his fair share of the booty? Maybe he was worn out from battle. Whatever his state, God understood and said, “Don’t fear, Abraham. I am your great reward.”

If God told you he was your great reward,

how would you respond?

Would you bow speechless and amazed—or leap for joy?

Abraham said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?” (Gen. 15:2). In other words, “I want a son.”

Had Abraham forgotten who was speaking?

His reply reminds me of the child who prayed, “Thank you for the baby brother—but I asked for a puppy.”

Abraham wanted a son. Did his frankness offend God? No. Abraham and God were close. Abraham didn’t need to fake a pious response. God understood his disappointments and longings.

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Star Gazing

God promised Abraham a son and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.”

I picture a long pause as Abraham considered the starry hosts. “And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

Gen. 15:5-6 (NASB).

Why would counting billions of stars help Abraham believe he would father a son? God gave Isaiah similar instructions. “Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? … Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing” Isa. 30:26 (NLT).

Notice the scene with Abraham again.

“Now look ... and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then Abraham “believed in the Lord.”

Abraham began to count the stars and was overcome. Who was this who spoke to him? Nothing was impossible to the Creator of all of this. The New American Standard Bible says he believed in God, and God counted his faith as righteousness.

The promise of a son was no longer remote when Abraham saw the size of God.

The promise of great nations coming from an infertile couple was nothing to the Creator of the Milky Way.

God took Abraham’s weakness and turned it into a staggering promise. Not one heir, Abraham—billions.

What has left you feeling powerless? Have you brought it to God? Maybe it’s time for a little stargazing.

Impossible problems are no problem for a big God.

MORE ABOUT LITTLE FAITH BIG GOD

Discover the Power of a Big God in Your Everyday Life

Whether you're facing personal weaknesses, struggling with doubt, or feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, this study reveals how ordinary people throughout the Bible encountered an extraordinary God. And you can too.

Through Little Faith, Big God you'll:

Experience a God who enjoys the pleasure of your company

Discover how God's power shines brightest through your weaknesses

Gain practical insights for daily living, spiritual growth, and leaving a legacy

Little Faith, Big God is an eight-week Bible study on Hebrews 11:1-22 that explores the flawed yet faithful followers of Yahweh. Perfect for individual study or small groups, this book combines in-depth biblical exploration with thought-provoking questions and contemporary applications.

Don't let your struggles define you. Little Faith, Big God shows you how to see your challenges through the lens of a big God. It's time to move from little faith to life-changing confidence in the God who can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

Buy now to take a journey through scripture that will revolutionize your faith!
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ABOUT DEBBIE W. WILSON

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Despite time in Boston, the Midwest, and Southern California, Debbie still says y’all. Her family, which includes two grown children and two mischievous standard poodles, calls North Carolina home. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Faith, Big God, at debbieWwilson.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.wilson.963871

MY REVIEW *****

A treasure chest of hope and encouragement

Little Faith Big God challenged me to remember that, whatever my calling or obstacles, God is faithful to his promises, even when my faith is weak. He strengthens and encourages me to serve Him according to His purposes. Conveniently divided into easy-to-understand segments, I recommend this book for individual or group study. Each Biblical example is accompanied by current application, anecdotes, and words of encouragement. Scholarly but practical. The depth and richness of her Biblical examples demonstrate that the author is well-studied in the material presented.

I recommend this book.

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