1 Chronicles 4:9-10
New International Version (NIV)
9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 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.
Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God to 1.) bless him. 2.) help him in his work ("enlarge my territory"). 3.) be with him in all he did, and 4.) keep him from evil and harm. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God' blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Obeying Him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.
Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from harm and pain. We live in a fallen world with sin, and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin within us. Therefore, not only must we seek God's protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and actions. We can begin to utilize His protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.
Joe
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