“…in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Ephesians 4:6 (KJV)
In 1st Chronicles 4, we read that Jabez needed God’s divine intervention, so he asked for His blessing. We should note that he was not asking for material gain here, but he wanted God to empower and transform his life from one defined by sorrow and pain to one of honour and grace. Friends, God’s blessings encompass His grace, love, and favour, manifesting in various forms such as provision, guidance, talents, and so much more.
Jabez asked God to enlarge his territory. He wanted God to expand his influence, provide for him, and give him more opportunities. This was not a selfish request; Jabez wanted to fulfil a greater purpose.
The next request was that God’s hand be on him. Jabez sought God’s constant Presence in his life, recognising that he was unable to accomplish anything without God. The psalmist in Psalm 121:2 (NKJV) said, “My help comes from the Lord… . Jabez understood that all of his help comes from God. Yes, it is God who will help us in all our endeavours; without Him, we are nothing.
Jabez’s final request was that God should keep him from harm /evil so that he would be free from pain. Our Lord Jesus, as He taught the disciples, specifically prayed these words: “…and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…“ when He taught them to pray (Matthew 6:13 – KJV). The enemy desires to target every believer with his evil plots and schemes. He came to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10), but it is God’s desire to deliver us. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have abundant life.“
So, through the prayer of Jabez, we learn the following lessons:
- God is a prayer-answering God. He hears our prayer.
- Faith is an important component of our prayers.
- God is desirous of blessing us.
- Unfavourable circumstances do not define our destiny.
- God is able to transform any curse or evil situation in our lives into beauty.
Through Jabez, God teaches the importance of having a relationship with Him. Let us, therefore, make prayer a priority, trusting in God with all our hearts. It is a necessary link to receiving God’s blessings, power, and fulfillment of His promises.
Prayer
God, I thank You for the opportunity to be able to come to You, bringing everything concerning my situation. You are the God who answers prayer, and today I pray the prayer of Jabez over my life. So Jesus bless me indeed, enlarge my territory, keep your precious hand on me, and deliver me from harm so that I will be free from pain. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!
Read: Psalm 34:4; John 15:5
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 23:29-35; Proverbs 24:1-4; Philippians 1:1-26; Zephaniah 1; Zephaniah 2; Zephaniah 3