Lessons from Jabez

Are you a complainer? Do you want “stuff” but don’t have it? Perhaps this lesson from Jabez might teach us all a practical lesson in trust, belief, and faith.

1Chronicles 4 “Lessons from Jabez”

“you don’t have because you don’t ask; you ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly” [James 4] but Jabez did ask and asked correctly. And God was pleased! God answered. Let’s see why:

Our story begins in the birth canal where Jabez struggled to come forth. It seems that Mother recorded that fact or reminded him of it throughout his life. Of all the men listed in this lengthy genealogical record, only Jabez is given the honor of his life’s story in a nutshell. It is as if the Chronicler wants us to note him. Jabez was “more honorable than his brothers.” He believed he could ask God all things and God would answer. That is true faith. Jabez was a God-fearer-worshiper. While others were busy with idols he was busy talking to God.

Jabez began: “if  you…” He simply told God that he wanted believing God would hear and answer. He precisely noted what that blessing would entail and included simply, protect me. For some reason he wanted or sensed he needed a hedge of protection and that he might not endure pain. That closes the circle from Mother’s words; I brought you forth in pain.

So why did the Chronicler insert these two verses? Could it be that too many of us are busy “working” our way to heaven rather than just seeking God who is generous giving His perfect gifts to those who believe Him.

Take a lesson from Jabez. Simply be bold and ask God to bless you.

 

 

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How to Pray for the Wicked

Today as we watch the news our hearts are filled with much sadness by the many atrocities around our world. But God wants us to see that it is at times like this that we must be bold in our prayers for those who are blinded by the enemy and do NOT know the truth so that they may come to the knowledge of who Jesus really is and who God is.

TRUTH: The Holy Word presents the case of the righteous vs the wicked (the ungodly) from Genesis to Revelation that we may be discerning of the ways of Satan.

TRUTH: But there is also another reason and it is so that we may confidently approach God with weeping and praying for their lost souls. We know from history that the words of Paul have come true in more than one century: “fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” The why is clear: “the one who kills you will think he is offering service to God.” [Jn 16] because “the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.” [2Co 4:4]

TRUTH: We must  bow before the Father and pray that their eyes of their heart be enlightened so that they may know the hope that is true and everlasting; that they may come to the knowledge of the true God; that the blindness that Satan has passed over their eyes may be removed and they see with their eyes and understand with their heart and turn to God and be healed. [John 12].

TRUTH: Beloved we are blessed to know the truth. Be bold before the Father and pray with boldness for the lost.