Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
The fact that his name means “sorrow” and “pain” may indicate that Jabez did not have a very good start in life. But according to today’s scripture, he lived honorably, and he prayed an amazing, heartfelt prayer.
The lesson I see in Jabez’s story is that our future is not limited by our past or present circumstances. No matter how things started out for you or how they may be right now, they do not have to stay that way.
Bold, faith-filled prayers and a positive attitude can change the course of your life and give you a future that is better than your past and your present. In response to your prayers, God may lead you to make some changes in the way you think, speak, act, work, or relate to others. He may lead you to stop doing certain things and start doing others because He knows those adjustments will get you where you need to go in life.
When you pray bold, life-changing prayers, expect God to answer. But don’t expect Him to supernaturally place you on a whole new path to your destiny. Expect that He will lead you to change certain aspects of the way you currently live. As He leads you, follow Him in obedience—and watch things change.
Prayer of the Day: Father, I pray that You will give me bold prayers that will change my present and my future. As You lead me, help me to obey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
