TODAY’S SCRIPTURE : 1 Chronicles 1-4 chapters
DEVOTION
There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been painful. Perhaps throughout his childhood, he was mocked, taunted, or looked down upon because of his name. Yet, despite his past, he turned to God in prayer. This reminds us that nothing no past, no struggle, no label can stop us from praying bold prayers.
What’s fascinating is that Jabez is not remembered for a heroic act, but for his prayer. Such an amazing thing.
In 1 Chronicles 4, we see three powerful things he asked God
1. BLESS ME AND ENLARGE MY TERRITORY
During that time, land and animals were sources of income and wealth. Sometimes people think it’s wrong to ask God for material blessings. But Jabez shows us that we can ask God to bless our work, studies, future, business when our desire is aligned with His purpose and His kingdom.
2. BE WITH ME IN ALL THAT I DO
Jabez didn’t just seek blessings he sought God’s presence. He knew that the true source of every blessing is God Himself. We shouldn’t limit God to certain moments like worship time, while living the rest of our week on our own terms. Invite Him into every part of your life school, family, emotions, relationships, mental battles, decisions, highs and lows.
3. KEEP ME FROM EVIL AND PAIN
We live in a fallen world, so it’s important to ask God for protection not just physically, but also in our thoughts and actions. When we fill our minds with His Word, it shapes our attitudes and helps us walk in His protection. Soon after he prayed we see that God granted his request. Pray because God is eagerly waiting to bless you.
Last year, when I started praying this prayer over my life, even for few days it made a real difference. It strengthened my faith and brought change. Let’s take this as a challenge to make Jabez’s prayer our daily blessing prayer for a month.
PRAYER
Lord, bless me and enlarge my territory. Let Your hand be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all evil and the pain it causes. Amen.