"With God's Grace Our Worst Past
Becomes Our Best Future"
Becomes Our Best Future"
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV).
Jabez, though not explicitly included in the lineage, is implied to be an ancestor of the Kings of Judah.
I find it interesting that this prayer is included in the middle of the number of ancestral linkages. I also find it interesting that his prayer is prefaced with the notation, “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. Thirdly, his birth apparently brought his mother great pain … perhaps more so than normal childbirth.
Should a prayer such as this be a model for today’s believer?
Jabez asks God to enlarge his territories. We can ask God to increase our perimeter of influence for His glory.
We might think his asking to be kept free from pain was selfish or odd. But don’t we turn to God with our ailments? Just like a child runs to his mother when he falls. He knows Mom can take away his pain with a simple kiss and a hug.
And God granted his request:
Because of Jabez’s faith, God heard and answered. He hears the prayers of those who have confidence and trust in Him.
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No Condemnation
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BE OF GOOD CHEER
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AS IN THE DAYS OF THE APOSTLES
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It's A Good Thing I Love You
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NO ONE EVER SAY I PRETTY
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Do All You Have in Mind
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WHEN YOUR GET UP GO GETS UP AND GOES
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EVEN TO MY GRAY HAIRS
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BIG FOOT AND DOUBT
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SHEPHERD OF THE AGES
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NOT ALONE
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OUT OF THE WHIRLWIND
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GET OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE
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Stop Grumbling
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ENCOURAGEMENT EVEN IN OUR FAILURES
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WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING
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THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S WORD
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LET GOD DIRECT YOUR STEPS
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BARREN PLACES
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SUMMATION OF THE LAW
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MUSIC MEMORIES
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FINDING CONTENTMENT
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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF JEWELS
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THE KEY TO ANSWERED PRAYER
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