1 Chronicles 4 & 5, Romans 11: 11-32, Psalm 118: 17-29
1 Chronicles 4: 9-10 (ESV)
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother
called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon
the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border,
and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so
that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”
In verses 9 and 10 from 1 Chronicles, we read about the
famous prayer of Jabez. His name stands out because he is only mentioned once
in the Bible, and his story comes in the middle of long passages about the genealogies
of King David’s line. All we know about Jabez is that he prayed to the God of Israel,
and his prayer was answered. Jabez prayed for four (4) things from the Lord: 1)
to be blessed, 2) for his territory to be enlarged, 3) that Father-God’s be
with him, and 4) that he be kept from harm that brings him pain. We know that the
prayer of Jabez was successful because we find that Father-God granted his
requests. Many Biblical scholars have noted that the prayer of Jabez was
specific and earnest, and not selfish. Jabez had a desire for Father-God’s
favor, and he asked for the Lord to be with him and to protect him. I love the
prayer of Jabez because we have another example to show us that Father-God will
respond to our prayers if we are sincere and have complete faith and trust that
he will answer us. The prayer of Jabez also gives us an example of what a
sincere prayer to Father-God looks like, and how much this type of prayer is
appreciated by the Lord. When I feel my prayers go unanswered, I read the prayer of
Jabez and adapt my own accordingly. Each time I did this, I felt peaceful and
believed Father-God heard my prayers. And soon enough, my prayers were always answered.
If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses and
you want to feel the peace that comes from knowing your prayers to Father-God
will be answered because of your faith in Jesus Christ, please pray this prayer
out loud:
Heavenly Father, I want to give you my Life. Forgive me of
all of my sins. Wash me in your blood. I believe in my heart You raised Jesus
from the dead. I confess with my mouth Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now,
I receive forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. I am saved, I am forgiven, I am
clean, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of
Father-God! Do yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full
Gospel, Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached
and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.