Read I Chronicles 4:1-20 The Descendants of Judah

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 Chronicles 4:10)

At my 60th birthday I asked God for a word and this verse came to me. While having lunch with a prophetic preacher, he was shift to speak, "I saw Jabez's prayer on your life." You too can pray the same.

In the long list of genealogies from Chapters 1-9 of First Chronicles, Jabez was specially mentioned as more honourable even though his birth had been painful. The significance lies in his prayer we can emulate.

Ask for Gods blessing. God is not only the Source of all blessings but He purposes to bless us. In Christ we have all blessings from God and do not need to chase after them as the world does. Jabez had simply asked what God wants him to have.

Broaden his influence. God has given each of us potential that will Influence others for the kingdom of God. Been faithful with the small things will result in enlarging our influence.

Connect with God. The hand of God gives the protection and direction through the midst of trials. His hand speaks of His presence been with us. Where He is comes the blessings.

Defend me from evil. As Jesus prayed, "Lead us not into temptation (within and without) ..." Jabez prayed against the testimony of his name, "pain". Yes, we are to turn our weakness into strength for God's glory.

God granted him what he requested. God is a loving and able to give what is best for you. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20)

Prayer: Father God, I am created with the potential to do Your will. Do not allow the circumstances, people around to limit what You have planned for me to accomplish. I desire to make my life count. I ask and receive the blessings in Christ to extend my influence through Your guidance as You keep me from evil.

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