7/4/2022 • Desk of Dennis Piller
Pastor Brian's The Prayer of Jabez Part I of II
Tomorrow Week 3 of Prayer at GFC 7pm
1 Chronicles 49:10 Jabez was an obscure character in the Old Testament, there are only two verses and they give us very little background on Jabez. It was interesting that his mom named him "Pain". I certainly have been called that a few times when I was younger but to live my whole life with people referring to me that way must’ve been a bit of a burden. But it said he was more honorable than other men. He wanted God to do something only God could do. He wanted more. His attitude was, there’s got to be more. I guess it all boils down to what we believe. “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying: "Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from the evil one." And God granted his request.” (NIV)
So my question to you is do you speak like that? Do you believe that big in God? Is he as big as our crisis or is he bigger? So let’s take the lid off of our expectations. Let’s take a look at Jabez's bold prayer. "That you would bless me.. Indeed" . He was saying bless me beyond your blessings and then again bless me! I guess, in a sense, he was asking to import supernatural favor. Somebody said a prayer like that sounds a bit cocky. Why not pray for others? But his claim and his name have been spoken for thousands of years because he asked God to bless him and it was left as an example to us.
He wanted to see bigger things. I guess we all do but he believed in a bigger God. But interestingly, he left it up to God to define what that was. So I don’t see how this can be aligned with the name it and claim it gospel. So many of us would be praying for an Escalade or a Jaguar or a home that was paid for. The question to you is, what do you consider to be a big blessing? Or better still when was the last time you asked God to bless you more? And if that is not something in recent memory, may I ask, why not?
2. God‘s Provision: He asked, "Enlarge my territory". What was the heart behind this request? I believe so he could do greater things for God. That he could have more of an opportunity to be influential and make a difference. But with that comes responsibility and hard work. Often times too many of us, with our daily careers, don’t have time for more…
So why would we ask for that? Pray for that?
So the question is what did God entrust you with? Do you own a business or are you part of a business whether it be small or gigantic? Whatever is yours, God gave that to you. He gave you the talent that you possess and one day there will be a reckoning for what you did with it for his kingdom.
Most people say that they want more but they “Live less” because they only want a little responsibility.
Asking God to do more through me, can be a little bit scary in the natural mind. I am already overwhelmed at home with the kids, and with my marriage!
Honestly, I just need prayer, not more work or more responsibility. It seems interesting to me that we are exhausted because we are all fighting to expand "our own kingdom". And either we forgot or no one ever taught us that
what God calls us to… he prepares us for… he equips us for… and he provides the provision and the success of it.
Ephesians 3:20 ”Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us": Are you hearing? In US.
Asking God to expand our territory is a miracle. Do you believe in miracles? When was the last time you asked for a miracle? Maybe for someone with cancer or who was in a bad car accident or who is born with some disability. Did you pray for a miracle? Perhaps I should ask did you labor for it? Did you intercede and fight for it? Did you enter into the throne room and ask God personally for it in the spirit and not in the flesh? Can you hear his heartfelt cry? “that His hand would be upon me!”
Tomorrow Pastor Brian Todd Talks about: 3. God's Power 4. God's Protection 5. God's Promise… all taken from the prayer of Jabez!
Barry Mantilow and ensemble
America the Beautify / One Voice Medley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCI4OuM6KtU&list=RDVhrxRccU3Lw&index=11
