The Prayer of Jabez

Who loves reading the Book of 1 and 2 Chronicles?

Whoa, i have to confess that it somehow give me whirlwind thoughts. It's genealogies, at least 600 names written on it on the first nine chapters of the 1 Chronicle. All names and the orders i don't remember anymore. How i wish to still be good at memorization and that i don't forget things easily.

But something STRUCK me...a very short story about our dear friend Jabez and how the Lord answered his prayer. I can only believe that his desire and the Lord's purpose for him have met. It's a win-win situation. It's a prayer that the Lord cannot say "no" to. Oh this must be beautiful.

And i have thoughts about my needs and desire too. One thing is to be heard and be answered by the Lord. I have been asking on the purpose of God for me. It goes straight to be of service to him: To acknowledge Him as my Lord and as the lover of my soul. To follow His leading too.

1 Chronicles 4:10
New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁰ And 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 that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. 

I have learned that "indeed" is a modifier. And it shows a positive thoughts. Jabez has been straightforward on what he is asking and i can sense and feel how strong his faith was when he utter those things. I believe that what he requested coincide with the plan of God for him. 


~ Oh that You will bless me indeed..
             We all have blessings. Be it personal, material, financial and of course spiritual. We grow in faith, in love and we keep on hoping and trusting the Lord for everything. I believe we received what we need if our hearts are pure and our intention/motives are not questionable. I have a blessing and God bless me indeed. This shows God's faithfulness to us. The gift of salvation is a blessing. The gift of life is a blessing. The gift of being called the children of the Most High is a blessing. That's blessing INDEED. 


~ and enlarge my territory...
             Are we willing to travel beyond our comfort zone? Do we have strength to start a journey in the ministry of going around the world to preach the Gospel and make disciples? Do we still look on our mountains (problems) and seas (storms of life)? Enlarging ones territory is going out of the comfort zone, leaving the guilt, fear and negative thoughts behind - leaving the Benjamin and start a new life with a big view and vision of what's in store for us. 


~ that Your hand would be with me...
             What's a hand for? I viewed it as support and guidance we found in Jesus. Jesus said, "apart from me you can do nothing". This is a reminder for us to always cling unto Him. We can't do things solo-flight. We need help. Who doesn't? If we let God hold us then we won't be in trouble...this my soul knows very well. 


~ and that You would keep me from evil...
              Fight a good fight of faith. Destroying darkness with the light that shines through Jesus. The Lord got the power to bring the power of the evil thing underneath our feet. We belong to the Lord and not to the enemy. 


~ that I may not cause pain.
             "What makes you sad?", a friend once asked. I told her, "its when i hurt someone even if it isn't intentional". Why? Because i don't wanna be in pain too. I don't like pain and so i don't like to cause pain.


The prayer of Jabez strengthen my belief that God's plan and purpose for my life is the best. It's a journey and each single step leads me to God's perfect will for me. 


Have a blessed Wednesday to all.