Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
The prayer of Jabez. Remember when that book was wildly popular? It is a great prayer. Very thought provoking. But, I never was quite sold on the author’s idea of how to “break through to the blessed life.” Prosperity gospels seem to cheapen the Good News.
But I can remember during that book’s craze that I came to my personal belief and understanding of this prayer by our friend Jabez. Especially the part “oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory.” During that time the boys were little and I was able to have a “set” work schedule. This enabled me to do corn dogs, Sabbath school, hot lunch, and Adventurers every week. It was organized. It was possible. My territory was enlarged. I was able to do more for others, for Jesus.
Over the years, as work schedules, family and things I’ve been able to be a part of have changed, I occasionally find myself whispering, “Bless me God! What’s next? Enlarge my territory again.”
These days I find myself again whispering that prayer. I challenge you to cry out the same. What would it look like if my territory were enlarged? Or if yours were? What would we be doing? Changing? How would we be serving? Ministering? And you know what? I don’t even need to know what your territory looks like, or you mine. I don’t need to wait until someone gives me permission. And you don’t need to wait until there’s a committee that votes what territory you should go to.
“Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory.” Beautiful prayer, Jabez! We’re gonna borrow it!