1 Chronicles 4:10
“ Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and You would keep me from evil, that I might not cause pain! So God granted him what he requested.”
Jabez made a bold move, by asking God to not only enlarge his existing territory, but to bless him indeed; meaning to bless him above and beyond what he can conceive or imagine. Jabez had the faith to ask beyond his current situation. Jabez was born into sorrow or pain. His mother bore him with pain and named him Jabez. His name means sorrow or pain. He was more honorable than his brothers for he attempted to do good always. There were times he failed in his trying, but he did not accept his fate. He refused to be limited by the negative word of man over his life.
He struggled to find meaning and significance in life because his fellow mankind disrespected him and titled him a failure. Jabez found himself in such a situation that he would always cause pain to himself.
Jabez is from the tribe of Simeon which had no tribal territory of its own, but dwelt within the territory of Judah. Not having nothing to call your own is a sad thing. Your family has nothing, you have nothing, and generations that will come after you will have nothing. So something must be done.
So he craved a relationship with God. Not a man of evil or sin; but a man of faith to live by the nature and the will of God. He was committed to a God of infinite love, grace, and mercy.
Jabez knew that he needed God to grant him that which he requested. As you live your life to please God, He will grant you what you need to do His will.
Speak over yourself! I need a spiritual enlargement. I need deliverance from my enemies by exemplifying spiritual light and knowledge. No more grief, no more pain, and no more sorrow. I need your love, grace, and mercy.
I pray that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from evil and of harm so that I will be free from pain.
Grant me this request for your glory! Not for me but to do your will. God granted his request.
Today God will grant you this same request. Have faith and say God all I won’t to do is your will.
In the end, Jabez prayer had a significant impact on the history if Israel. Are you willing to pray for God to enlarge your borders?
