1 Chronicles 4:10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.
Jabez prayed a simple but powerful supplication. He went to God with an imploration that changed the trajectory of his life. He was tired of the restraints of his surroundings and wanted to break free from the limitations that was presented to him.
Not only did Jabez ask God to bless him by enlarging his territory but he wanted the hand of God to be with him and to keep him from harm that would result in pain. Jabez understood that without divine protection all that he will attain would be vulnerable to the plans of the enemy.
Our prayers are not so different from Jabez. We ask God to bless us with what we need, to make our ways prosperous and grant us protection from all harm that would result in pain. We pray these types of petitions because too often we are faced with opposition that comes to limit our visions, dreams, aspirations, and influence. We constantly feel like we are under attack and life seems to be a steady uphill battle more often than not.
The restraints of our current situation push us to broaden our horizons and seek new opportunities. Jabez wanted territory yet you can fill in the blank with what you have been seeking God for. Anytime we begin to request an enlargement in any area of our life, expect opposition from all angles.
However, not all opposition is external. There are times when we put limitations and restraints on our faith and the Spirit of God within us. These restraints were cultivated over time by negative affirmations and have been brewing over the years that showed up in missed opportunities. We all have been a victim of self-sabotage. We pass on pursuing the promotion, we avoid building equitable relationships, and we shy away from starting a new venture or tackling a worthy cause. When we put restraints on what we believe we can do, we not only limit our success but we sideline the Holy Spirit from operating freely.
Jabez’s prayer encourages us to push pass external and internal restraints and consider the endless possibilities that awaits us.
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