Counting Stars in an Empty Sky: Trusting God's Promises for Your Impossibilities

by Michael Youssef

When God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky, Abraham was childless. Yet through many obstacles, temptations, and even failures, Abraham became an example of faith as he learned to trust God's promises regardless of circumstances.

In this faith-filled book, Michael Youssef takes you through Abraham's incredible journey of faith, encouraging you to trust God's timing and plan when the road gets difficult. He also shares his own experiences of trusting God in a foreign land and includes reflection questions for you and your small group to pinpoint the ways in which you're trusting--or need to trust--God to keep his promises, even when the way forward seems impossible--even when you can't see the stars.

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

Michael Youssef is the founder and president of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground ministry teams (www.LTW.org). His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast in 25 languages and seen worldwide, airing more than 13,000 times per week. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt, but in 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. He holds numerous degrees, including a PhD in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 35 books, including recent popular titles The Barbarians Are Here and Jesus, Jihad and Peace. He and his wife have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Heaven Adore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was so, so encouraging. I finally finished this book and am glad that I decided to purchase it.

I never realized how vibrant theme of trust is in Abraham's story. He was so faithful to God with everything He asked him to do. Sure, there was sometimes where he did struggle to do so, but he always kept coming back to Him.

I'm so encouraged to grow my faith and become much more spiritually mature. Trusting God is pretty difficult for me since I am a perfectionist, but reading this book has given me a clear vision of what strong faith looks like.

I highly, highly recommend checking this book out...you won't regret it.

[J. M. Simmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just finished this book I have it clear in my mind. So let me give you the pros and cons and my overall thoughts.

Pros - 200 pages, this was a great encouragement to me where I'm at with my life and what is happening to me currently. I was encouraged because Abraham and I are in the same boat waiting for children. I just don't happen to be as old. This book has been timely and helpful as I trust God and his promises. The big thing in the journey of faith that Abraham learned was obedience and so that is still something I'm working on in my walk with Jesus.

Cons- Dr Youssef has a calvinistic/reformed bent when it comes to sovereignty. That's fine if you agree with that. But I don't and I'm not even an Arminian when it comes to that stuff. That said, it's the only reason for 4 stars.

Overall - the book was quick reading, being on holidays helped get this read. The lessons are solid and the look at Abraham was encouraging. Dr Youssef's intertwining of the Gospel of Jesus with Story was excellent. Thank you Dr Youssef for a good book.

[Sarah-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t find it easy rating non fiction. 3 stars is a neutral rating I feel, for a book that had some very good content , was definitely encouraging and written from an earnest and humble perspective.
There were aspects to it that I found a bit “Christianese cliche “ but I didn’t let that lead to cynicism. My Nana very kindly gave this to me for Christmas after raving reviewing it and buying a bunch of copies ☺️so sweet. I know she prays daily for us and am ever grateful for that, and the fact that I am counted amoungst the stars after that once starless night. I also do feel renewed hope for the promises in my own life and those of others that are yet to be fulfilled.
Thank you Mr Youseff for a positive and encouraging message from a very complex theme. Tackling the subject of child sacrifice is not for the faint hearted.

[Cynthia Feenstra · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short book about Abraham’s faith and how we can trust the God of Abraham to deliver on His promises. My main two issues with this book are:
1) There are plenty of other books out there that do a much better job of teaching lessons from the life of Abraham. While there is nothing new under the sun, this is not a necessary book when the market is already so flooded in this topic.
2) There’s honestly some rather cringeworthy examples and allegories and language that’s downright corny. The “modern renderings” were painful to read. It made me blast through those portions and look forward to the end of the book.
3). There were popcorn sections of advice that I thought were just downright poor advice in the short biblical rendering offered.

Not a book I’d personally recommend but I’m sure it speaks to the right people.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think if I read the book instead of listening to the audiobook that I wouldn't have ad to pay as close attention. The narrator's voice lulls me into a false sense of security so that instead of listening and working, I just tuned him out.

It took me longer to listen to this book and I had to go back and listen to some parts. This is an indepth look into the promise that God made to Abraham and how waiting, being patient and accepting what God said to Abraham worked for him and we must be patient as well.

[Skate Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is beautiful and this book has reminded me so many things about the way God invites us to journey with Him in His promises to us. It was hard not to cry in some of the pages and words of Pastor Michael. Finding this book was a miracle enough for me. I know God gave it to me. I am deeply grateful that this book was written.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. A good, easy read. I found it encouraging and a reminder to keep praying and not to give in. When I fall, dust myself off and continue, growing in faith and doing a little better each time.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, so helpful and encouraging in exploring the reasons why it is imperative to trust God's promises for your impossibilities.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me a whole new perspective on trusting God to fulfill his promises. Gave new meaning in what faithfulness looks like.

[Pam Coll · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring book, written with great clarity and compassion for all humanity. Highly recommended.

[Becky Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good faith building book

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I’m so thankful that I read this book and grateful to our daughter’s teacher for introducing me to Dr. Michael Youssef and his work and books.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't mind saying that I'm a fan of this author and have read quite a few of his books. I like his analysis and insight into religious texts such as the Tora, the Koran, and of course the Bible. He also has experienced cultures of the Middle East (he grew up as a Coptic Christian in Egypt) as well as parts of Europe and in the United States where he now lives as an American citizen. Counting Stars in an Empty Sky: Trusting God's Promises for Your Impossibilities by Michael Youssef relates the biblical story of a childless ninety-year-old Abraham receiving a promise from God that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars in the sky. When Abraham noted that he often looked up and saw no stars, God assured him that just because he couldn't always see them, they were definitely still there. The author then applies this same logic to things in our everyday life and how sometimes we need to accept on faith even if we can't see them with our own eyes. In the case of Abraham, as readers of the Bible are aware, he did have children who had children, etc. demonstrating that with God all things are possible. I found this to be interesting and thought-provoking.