“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it might not grieve me.'” 1 Chronicles 4:10
Dear Ones:
The man Jabez is not mentioned much in the Bible, but that for which he is mentioned has to do primarily with a prayer. The importance of this prayer is discovered because God, “…granted him that which he requested.” What was it about Jabez’ prayer that would result in the favorable intervention of God, changing Jabez, and the circumstances that surrounded his life? The first element in the answer to the question is found in the words: “…And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren.” (1 Chronicles 4:9) In speaking of that which is honorable, the Bible is most certainly speaking of faith in God, and a faithfulness born our of that faith-filled life. The second thing that we discover is that Jabez had a relationship with God, one where he knew to whom He owed everything, and from whom, he alone could receive what was needful to glorify Him. We do not see Jabez go to a priest in order to pray, nor do we see him going to a certain place. He goes to God, and to Him alone, in faith. The third thing we discover is that Jabez had very specific, conscious needs, which he would lay before the Lord in prayer. Those needs would be the subject of his search for God, and for the answer that God alone could give. Lastly, we discover in Jabez’ prayer that God is not only willing to address the needs, but to answer fully. In other words, Jabez prayed according to that which was not only the will of God, but that which he knew God would delight in giving. Thus, the prayer was a certain means by which to bring about a change in his own heart and life, but also, in the circumstances in which he lived, simply because God answered it.
Throughout Biblical history, we find that men and women of faith had very specific, and dominating needs differing from those of others. In every case where there was a right relationship with God, and these being men and women of faith and prayer, God answered, and met their specific needs. Let us take the young Solomon for example. Faced with the task of replacing his father David as king, being young and inexperienced, Solomon feels very keenly the specific need for wisdom. So, he prays to God: “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great?” (2 Chronicles 1:10) Solomon’s prayer is a selfless one, bringing before the Lord the needs of the people which can only be met by God giving to Solomon wisdom and knowledge. What was God’s response? “Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee.” (v.12).
In the life of Samson, we find him in a moment of great need. Because of his neglect, and departure from is consecration vow to God, we see him having been blinded by the Philistines, and become their slave. However, in his solitude, he cries out to God: “O Lord God, remember me, I pray Thee, and strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this once, O God.” (Judges 16:28) The single most essential need of Samson at that time was not for wisdom, but strength, which God alone could give. Samson’s calling had been that of delivering Israel out of the hand of the Philistines. God would grant to Samson his request for strength at a moment, and in a place, where the greatest effect of Samson’s strength would be revealed. He would deal a death blow to more of Israel’s enemies in his own death than in his life.
Just before Elijah was miraculously taken into heaven, Elisha, who would take his place, would ask him for a “double portion of his spirit.” God would grant this specific and essential request.
Dear Father, Give us to specifically pray for that which is truly of Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad