THE PRAYER OF JABEZ
By Synthia Esther
Everyone stuggles at one time or another while learning to depend on self, or to have complete faith and dependence on God alone. Jabez knew God was the answer to all his life encoutered and endured. Therefore, Jabez prayed, and God answered his prayer. Such faith in the power of God and His providence enabled Jabez to become a leader in his family, being held more honorable than all of his brothers. His mother gave birth to him in pain, but Jabez depended upon God for his blessings and gain!
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
Jabez knew and believed that when you commit to the Lord whatever you do, your plans will succeed. - Proverbs 16:3 God is pleased with the prayers of the upright. - Proverbs 15:8 God answers our prayers when we trust in Him. - 1 Chronicles 5:21 Jabez sought God's will and not his own as he humbly asked God, "Oh, that you would bless me." Jabez did not command and claim his territory be enlarged, he "asked" God in sincere prayer. Jabez placed all that he was and ever would be in God's hands, knowing God knew best.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33
The prayer of Jabez honored God, which brought health and blessings his way. - Proverbs 3:7 "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for battle, but victory rests with the Lord." - Proverbs 21:30-31 Why did God honor Jabez's prayer? Jabez was a man of integrity, and God weighs the heart. - Proverbs 21:2 Because Jabez pursued righteousness, his life was blessed by God with prosperity and honor. - Proverbs 21:21
"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." - Proverbs 11:28
Copyright - 2009-2010, Synthia Esther. All Rights Reserved.
