Step Out and Count the Stars


Overcoming the Limitations of Where You Are

Inspired by a message preached by Rev. SC Mathebula

By: Muzi Mthethwa

When Rev. SC Mathebula preached on the moment God told Abraham to “look up,” one powerful truth emerged: If Abraham had remained in the tent, all he would have seen was the roof. That thought alone captures the danger of staying where God is calling you out from.


1. The Tent: A Picture of Limited Vision


Genesis 15:5 says, “He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars if indeed you can count them.’”

Abraham had to leave the tent before he could see the stars. That tent, while practical, had become a barrier to vision. It limited what he could see and, ultimately, what he could believe.

The “tent” in our lives today may be:

  • A fixed mindset shaped by fear or failure
  • Environments that restrict growth
  • Seasons that once served us, but now confine us

Staying in the tent confines you to what is predictable, safe, and small. But purpose requires more.


2. Step Out: A Shift in Position

God’s first action was to bring Abraham outside. Vision doesn’t begin with seeing it begins with moving. Many people pray for God to enlarge their territory while staying in the same place mentally, spiritually, or even relationally.

To step out means:

  • Leaving behind the limitations of your current season
  • Detaching from voices that feed doubt
  • Breaking routine and daring to believe again

Sometimes, what God has for you can’t be seen from your current position. You have to move to perceive.


3. Step Up: Lift Your Eyes and Expectations

Once outside, the command was clear: “Look up.”

Looking up is an act of faith, not just posture. It means:

  • Raising your expectations
  • Fixing your gaze on God’s greatness, not your limitations
  • Daring to dream beyond what your resources or background suggest

When God says, “Count the stars,” He’s not asking for calculation He’s calling you into a promise that’s far beyond your current comprehension.

4. The Stars: A Glimpse of Destiny

The stars were always in the sky Abraham just couldn’t see them until he changed his position and lifted his eyes. They represent the scale of what God sees, even when we only see our limitations.

They are reminders of:

  • Dreams not yet fulfilled
  • Generations yet to come
  • Legacies waiting to be built


They’re proof that what you’re called to is far bigger than what you’re in right now.

🌌 Final Thoughts: You Were Made for More

Sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your next breakthrough is the roof you’ve been looking at for too long.

  • Step Out of confining spaces
  • Step Up in faith and boldness
  • See the Stars and dare to believe again

There’s more waiting  but you’ll only see it once you move.

Quote to Remember:

“The ceiling you’re under might be the only thing limiting what you believe is possible.”

Your destiny was never meant to be boxed in. Step out. Look up. And count the stars.

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