Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV)
01. BLESSING
Jabez begins his prayer by asking God for His blessing. In fact, God wants to bless us, but He is often waiting for us to ask with the right heart. When God blesses us, our lives overflow with abundance in every area.
“Oh, that You would bless me...” (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV)
Ask God for His blessing. Recognize your need for His provision, and set your heart toward wanting more than you need so that you can be a blessing to others.
02. INFLUENCE
Next, Jabez asks for more influence. As God’s blessings increase in our lives, we can ask for and experience greater opportunity to influence the world around us for Him.
“...enlarge my border (territory)...” (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV)
Pray for more influence, and trust in Him to open doors and lead you on the best path for His glory.
03. PRESENCE
As we ask for blessing and influence, we also need to ask for God's presence, as Jabez did, so that we are not operating out of our own strength, but through the presence of God.
“...that Your hand might be with me...” (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV)
Acknowledge your need for God’s presence. Ask for His anointing and for him to put His hand on your life.
04. PROTECTION
Finally, Jabez asks the Lord to protect him. If we are influencing the world for Jesus, we must understand that the enemy will try to stop us. God promises to be with us and protect us, and because He is with us, we have nothing to fear.
“...keep me from harm...” (1 Chronicles 4:10, ESV)
Trust God to protect you. Tell Him specific areas where you feel the need for His protection, and ask Him to cover areas that you can’t yet see.
Used with permission by The Church of the Highlands
