1 Chronicles 4:9-10 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. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 ESV)
It seems that the beginning of any year creates a desire in all of us to start over and get a fresh start. I know that’s what I desire and want for my life. Out with the old and in with the new.
In this passage we have man who had a past that he wanted to forget about. In fact, his mom named him Jabez = Pain. Can you imagine her calling her son in the marketplace - “Hey Pain – Come here!”
Yet this man was a man who overcame obstacles. The Bible says that he was an “honorable Man.”
He is not remembered for building a great monument or for any great achievement in life but for this PRAYER of just a few verses from the Old Testament.
Jabez prayed a BIG prayer for his life.
1- Jabez Prayed That God Would Bless Him.
This was not a selfish prayer – he wanted God’s best
Abraham - Gen 12:2 (NIV) "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
Jabez sought the blessing of God that he might be a blessing to the world. It’s NOT ABOUT US!
Jacob who wrestled with God. When God told him to release him,- Gen 32:26 (NIV) …but Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
We can’t Be APATHETIC. We must CONTEND for the Blessing Of God in our lives in a BIG way. We should be praying BIG prayers to God that we might walk in His full blessings in life.
Notice the next thing Jabez prayed...
2. That God Would Enlarge His BORDERS - v.10
Jabez wanted God to increase his sphere of authority to be able to touch more people. (Don’t pray this pray unless you are willing to become more responsible in life).
Isaiah 54:2 (NLT) “Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense!
We need to pray beyond our circumstances. We ned to see the BIG PLAN that God has for our lives and for our families.
We Need To Recognize Our Assigned TERRITORY and we need to pray that God would give us FAITH to reach our assigned territory.
In order to do that - we will need to give up some of our COMFORT zones.
Luke 14:33 (MSG) 14:33 "Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.
3- Jabez Prayed For God’s HAND To Be Upon Him – v.10
Jabez knew that what he was praying for was bigger than what he could accomplish himself. He was praying for something so big that only the hand of God on his life could accomplish it.
Seven Ways To Tell If Something Is A God Thing
1. Everyone says it can't be done
2. You feel you aren't qualified
3. There aren't enough resources available
4. It makes no rational sense
5. People call it (or you) dumb
6. It would give God all the glory
7. It honors God and is true to His Word
Here’s a good question for you - What would you pray for if you knew that you could not fail?
The hand of God is the PRESENCE OF GOD in our lives!
Joshua 4:24 (NIV) …4:24 He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."
The hand of God Is The HOLY SPIRIT working in us.
Acts 11:21 (NIV) The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
On the other hand… If we walk in disobedience, The Hand Of God can be AGAINST Us.
1 Sam 12:15 (NIV) But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you...
4- Jabez Prayed That God Would Keep Him From Evil – V.10
He had caused pain, but he did not want to cause any more pain. He wanted to be a blessing to others.
Sin brings pain to God and to others.
Genesis 6:5-6 (NIV) The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.
Sin broke God’s heart. It gave Him pain.
David - Psalm 119:11 (NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Jesus... Matt 6:13 (NIV) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Sin stops the blessing in your life!
Get the sin out of your life and ask God for the moon, and he will give you the sun and the stars as well.
Word of warning: Don’t become COMPLACENT!
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV) 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:23 (NIV) 4:23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden.
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