15/04/2024
WORD of LIFE
For the Week (14th~20th April, 2024)
TEXT: 1 CHRON. 4 : 9-10
THEME: THE PRAYER OF JABEZ (PT1)
“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "’Because I bore him in pain.’" And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "’Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’" So God granted him what he requested.”
This text has been referred to as the briefest of Bible biographies. The prayer of Jabez has incredible potential of revolutionizing our lives. This prayer reveals our Heavenly Father’s desire to give us so much more than you may have ever thought to ask for. In this prayer, a “little difference makes all the difference.”
What do we know about Jabez?
1. The only place in the Bible he is mentioned.
2. Things started badly for a person no one had ever heard of.
3. He prayed an unusual, one sentence prayer.
4. Things ended extraordinarily well.
1 Chron. 4:9 says, “Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.” God created him an honorable person. Even though Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, his life was full of pain. Things did not move the way he expected. Something limited his progress and dishonored him.
Just like some of us, we're highly respected in society but deep down our hearts we know that things are really bad for us. We laugh just for the cameras. We're really struggling and sometimes feel like ending it. People see your marriage and they're like wow, what a beautiful marriage, meanwhile you are dying slowly in that marriage. People see you to be financially sound yet you know you're broke and what to eat with your children, sometimes is a problem. Jabez was held in high esteem among his brothers yet things were bad.
Jabez wanted to be more and do more for God, but something limited him and stopped him doing that. But according to v.10 of our text, God granted him his request after calling on him. Ever since I became a “believer,” I have desired to “make a difference,” to live as to be missed, and to help the body of Christ. I’ve never had a desire to “just get by.” God placed in my heart a “whatever it takes” attitude from day one and I still desire to do a great work for God. However, just like Jabez, there was a limitation set for me. But just like Jabez, I also prayed for the limit to be broken and God of Israel granted my request. The prayer of Jabez definitely moved him beyond the limits.
From today, I pray God breaks every limitation set for your life in Jesus name. Limitation on your marriage, child bearing, finance, ministry, business, etc. be broken in Jesus name. The beginning of your breakthrough is the starting point of your limitation. God bless you and increase you.
PRAYER: Father Lord, enlarge my territory and bless me in Jesus name. Amen.
Rev. Prince Atakora
Peacemaker' Chapel Int
Kojo Ashong, Amasaman-Accra
233 249 472 777