If You Would Pray…

“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 may not grieve me!’ And God granted him that which he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:10.

In the middle of a long genealogy, the Bible pauses to spotlight one man, Jabez. We don’t know much about his background, except that his mother named him after sorrow. Yet, sorrow did not define his destiny. Prayer did.

Jabez didn’t pray a complicated prayer. He simply asked God for 4 things: blessing, increase, presence, and protection.

And God granted him that which he requested.”

This is powerful reminder that God answers prayer.

What made Jabez’s prayer so powerful?

– He prayed boldly with faith that God could bless him indeed.
– He prayed not just for things, but for God’s hand to be with him.
– He prayed for impact, for expansion, so he could live beyond the limits of his name.
– He prayed for protection, to live free of sorrow and evil.

And God didn’t ignore him. He answered.

That’s the God we serve, the One who listens, who sees beyond our history, and who responds to the cries of a sincere heart.

Let this encourage you:
– Your background doesn’t disqualify your breakthrough.
– God hears you, even in a crowd.
– The prayer of faith still moves the hand of God.

Lord, thank You for being a God who hears and answers prayer. Like Jabez, I lift my heart to You. Bless me, enlarge my capacity, stay close to me, and keep me from harm. Let my life be marked by Your “Yes.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.