Do you desire a change in your life? A change is possible if you will believe God for it. God’s thoughts for you are for good, to give you a future and an expected end. However, when life is different from God’s will for you, you will need to ask Him for a change. This post uses Jabez prayer to encourage you to go for a change in life where you need it.
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 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NKJV, emphasis mine).
The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it – Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV).
A wise man said, “What you don’t want, you do not watch”. If you desire a change in life you need to do what needs to be done for the change to be realized. Some people need a change of name for things to change in their lives. However, most of the others, if not all, need to pray like Jabez prayed for a change to come.
Jabez was named so by his mother because she bore him with sorrow. Jabez means “sorrowful or sorrow-maker.” This meaning kept speaking in Jabez’s life though he was more honourable than his brethren; he was causing pain and making people to sorrow (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). But one day, he desperately asked God for a change in life. He asked the Lord for His blessing, enlargement, His presence and protection from evil, and God granted him his request. Jabez’s prayer was a comprehensive prayer that covered all areas of his life.
When the Lord releases His blessing on you, it makes you rich all round and adds NO sorrow with it. Jabez’s prayer for God’s blessings took care of the sorrow in his life. In other words, he asked God to break the hold of his name in his life and God answered him. This blessing also includes healing, total health, long life, fruitfulness and provisions.
He asked for enlargement of his territory: increase in what he commands and possesses. This can be related to business, financial and career breakthrough. He didn’t want to remain a ‘nobody’ or a mediocre, but a person of substance. Enlargement of territory can also be seen as multiplication of persons in his family, thereby leading to expansion of his borders.
He also asked for God’s presence. There is fulness of joy and pleasure in the presence of the Almighty (Psalm 16:11). Also, with joy will you draw from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Moses knew the importance of carrying the presence of the Lord and that was why he told Him that if He would not go with them, let Him not send them forth from there (Exodus 33:15). You have victory and success when the Lord is with you. You need His presence to cover you and your blessings in your enlarged territory. When God is for you, no one can be against you (Romans 8:31).
Finally, Jabez asked for protection for himself, his blessings and territory from evil, so that he will not be afflicted or be a source of affliction to others. You need God to keep you away from evil, the source of your challenge so that it will not grieve you (1 Chronicles 4:10, KJV).
The scripture recorded that the Father granted Jabez what he asked for. He went to God in desperation; believing and he received his heart desire. He realized that His solution was in God and he went for it. He could have chosen to live with the challenge, blaming his mother; however, he went for a super change in life and he got it.
Jabez has shown you that you don’t have to live with that evil situation. It is possible to get a change. Ask God for a change in prayer, believing and you will return with your testimony.
Jesus is Lord!
–
Ngozi Nwoke
Grace and peace of God be unto you.
Do share this post.
If you enjoyed this post make sure you enter your email address here for free email updates.
Pls leave your comment below, I would like to hear from you.
Image by Evo Terra
The answers really quenched my inquisitiveness. It’s really inspiring
Glory to God!
God bless you Francis.
Thanks for your comment.
The book The Prayer of Jabez completely changed my life. I read it in 2002 and God truly enlarged my territory and gave me an enriched life. I read the book four times and highlighted it. Three years later, I retired at a young age, relocated to a barrier island, doubled my income, and in the process have seven grandchildren with an eighth coming any day now.
Awesome testimony! God is faithful. Thanks Robert for sharing this. Your testimonies will increase the more in Jesus name.
God bless you.
I thank God for what He Did for Jabez. pls, Change my situation, and that of my husband. Remember us and settle us. Men have failed us. God please do not fail us, because the scripture said there is no failure in you
One thing is sure Prisca is that God never fails.
It shall be unto you as you have believed.
God bless you sis and may God grant you your heart desires in Christ in Jesus’ name.