God’s Position in Jabez’s Prayer

Scripture:  I Chronicles 4:9-10 – 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.

I was walking the campus where I am currently serving as the RN for the Employee Health and Wellness Center.   As I walked, I saw and recognized a small book entitled Prayer of Jabez sitting on a park bench.  My mind went back to when the Jabez prayer became popular in the late 90’s and early 2000’s; Bruce sold millions of copies of his book.  The phrase, “enlarge my territory,” was stated and prayed by many, but there were mixed interpretations of what Jabez was asking.  Bruce Wilkerson said in an article that the book in the hands of some became a “get rich quick,” idea.  As I walked the campus, I thought, what was Jabez praying about?  There was no big story before or after the prayer, but it was captured in I Chronicles 4:10.  After his prayer, God sealed it with, “and God granted him what he requested”.  If we have lived and grown in the faith of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ, we know that the greatest humbling comes many times in worship during or after a trial.  Jabez prayed, “Oh, Lord”; stop right there (in Pastor’s voice).  That phrase signifies a great need for God to pay attention; a bidding to the Father; Jabez is crying out intimately to his God.  Then he asks God to bless him and expand his territory.  This request is where the confusion comes.  Outside of humbling and worship, this request could, very well, be thought of as a selfish request; no thought to the glory or pleasure of God.  However, it was stated in vs. 9 that Jabez was honorable than his brothers; Jabez had somehow stood out from the rest; his sanctification practices were known; he had shown his faith was in the true and living God.  God knew Jabez desired the greater.  Jabez wanted to esteem God; therefore, the blessing and the expansion of territory request was about how he could play a role in advancing the kingdom.  He wanted God to grant him a position in God’s pleasure and purposes.  Jabez, further prayed for God to keep His hand on him and not allow evil to overcome him that he would cause harm or pain.  Jabez knew that if he stayed in the presence and company of God, he would be established and raised up to be fruitful in fulfilling God’s plan.  God granting Jabez’s request points to:  (1) God’s desire for us to come humbly and (available to Him); and (2) God longs to embrace us with His grace.

Prayer:  Lord, we thank you for the examples of real people, such as Jabez praying that You would use Him that he could have fellowship in Your plan and purposes.  In this life, we get lost in the complexities and forsake Your simple direction into intimate fellowship & partnership with You, Oh Lord; We know you require us to possess a heart and attitude of obedience and availability.  Help us to embrace Your embrace - In Jesus’ Precious Name-Amen!

(by Lisa Williams)