Jabez’s Prayer

Have you felt in your life that you were under a curse? Maybe curse is such a strong term to use here. How about something about your life you feel so powerless to change? It could be in your family, in your circle of friends, in your work, or in your life as a whole?

Could it be as simple as planning to lose weight since last year but you never get started yet? Could it be a not-so-good attitude you want to change like your spending attitude? Or is it about your identity in the community you belong to that you want a change?

Could it be your height, you status in the society, your grades at school, your work, the color of your skin, your clothes? Have you reached the point where you wish to be someone else, or you feel like becoming a totally different person, still you but different?

You know what, there was someone in the Bible who was cursed by his own mother right the very moment he was born into the world. His mother named him PAIN. So every time he was called by his mother, his family, and his friends, it was like a reconfirmation of the curse. Thus, his life was a pain.

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” (1 Chronicles 4:9 NIV)

But in spite of his situation, he never stopped worshipping the true God, giving his full trust in the LORD. One day he said a powerful prayer.

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.” (1 Chronicles 4:10a NIV)

And because he had been faithful to the LORD and because God was so gracious, God listened to his prayer. And you know what happened next?

…And God granted his request. —1 Chronicles 4:9-10b NIV

That was awesome. God is awesome. So whatever situation you are in right now, remember there is nothing God cannot do for you. He even gave His Son to save you and me from sin and death. There are only two things we need to do on our part. 1. Accept Jesus Christ as our God and personal Savior by surrendering all you are to Him. 2. Have a relationship with Him. And God will do the rest. God bless you.

Photo by Edison Suelto

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If this article has touched you or helped you or if you have any kind comment to say, please feel free to leave a comment and share how God works in many awesome ways in your life. Thank you!