PRAYER CHANGES THINGS! (THE PRAYER OF JABEZ)
TEXT:
" ...And Jabez called on the God of Israel... " (Ist Chronicles chapter 4 verses 9 to 10, King James Version)
When the Bible says that Jabez was more honorable than his brethren, what is meant, inter-alia, is that he was different from them, being much more eminent. His eminence amongst his brethren was the product of divine grace. He had the God of Israel's intervention in his life's situation. He had a reputation for piety, righteousness and abounded in good works so much that in 1st Chronicles chapter 2 verse 55, we find a city named after him! What a pleasant and enviable life!
But this was not so with Jabez at the beginning. Many times, the lives of great men were never pleasant at the beginning. Often, the harder the beginning, the sweeter the end. So you see, your yesterday has little to do with your tomorrow. Truth is, you don't need to be troubled by your past. Jesus sees your heart, not your past. Once He finds faith in your heart, He shows up for you without much ado.
Needless to say, all children are born in sorrow (Genesis chapter 3 verse 16), but the case of Jabez was exceptionally bad. Usually in life, the sorrow in bearing is soon afterwards forgotten for the joy that a child is born (John chapter 16 verse 21), but the sorrow that accompanied Jabez's birth was not forgotten easily. Indeed, his name was given to him to commemorate the hardship and sorrow that prevailed in the family (lst Chronicles chapter 4 verse 9). Like Nabal, who was foolish as his name meant (lst Samuel chapter 25 verse 25), so it was with Jabez; for sorrow followed Him wherever he went. Yet, Jabez did not relax over his situation.
But Jabez, determined to change his circumstances, drew closer and prayed to the God of Israel and his prayers were answered (Ist Chronicles chapter 4 verses 9). Today, he is a reference point to us all, and through him, the God of Israel is depicted as a prayer answering God. Besides, his sterling example of prayer stands out for preachers to make reference to. Yet, the secret of Jabez was that HE CALLED ON THE GOD OF ISRAEL. Can we be like Jabez in prayers? Can we decide to call on God over our life's circumstances?
No matter your situation in life, take a positive stance on the matter of prayers. Refuse to accept your situation as final, though it may be serious or congenital. Call on the God of Israel who has promised to hear and intervene for you (Jeremiah chapter 33 verse 3). May He hear you as you pray, in Jesus name, amen.
PRAYER:
Father, l call on you over the circumstances of my life (mention them), and l believe you have heard me even as you did hear Jabez and changed his situation, in Jesus name