Hey friend, welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

The devotional for today is titled of Prayer and Dust and Stars, and it was written

by James Banks.

Laura and Dave desperately wanted a baby, but their physician told them they were unable to have one.

Laura confided to a friend.

I found myself having some very honest talks with God.

But it was after one of those talks that she and Dave spoke to their pastor,

who told them about an adoption ministry at their church.

A year later, they were blessed with an adopted baby boy.

In Genesis 15, the Bible tells of another honest conversation, this one between Abram and God.

God had told him, Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your very great reward.

But Abram, uncertain of God's promises about his future, answered candidly, Sovereign Lord,

what can you give me since I remain childless? Earlier God had promised Abram, I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth.

Now Abram, in a very human moment, reminded God of that.

But note God's response.

He assured Abram by telling him to look up and count the stars, if indeed you can,

indicating his descendants would be beyond numbering. How good is God, not only to allow such candid prayer, but also to

gently reassure Abram. Later, God would change his name to Abraham, which means Father of Many.

Like Abraham, you and I can openly share our hearts with Him

and know that we can trust Him to do what's best for us and others.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Genesis chapter 15, verses 1 through 6.

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. But Abram said,

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