Dare to ask with boldness
EXHORTATION from the BOOK OF LIFE
Verse to Meditate On
“And Jabez is honoured above his brethren, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I have brought forth with grief.’ And Jabez calleth to the God of Israel, saying, ‘If blessing Thou dost bless me, then Thou hast made great my border, and Thy hand hath been with me, and Thou hast kept [me] from evil — not to grieve me;’ and God bringeth in that which he asked.”
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 YLT98
Dare to Courageously Ask Your Heavenly Father
In the scriptures, there was a boy named Jabez, whose name meant “Pain” or “Bitterness.” His mother had named him that because she had given birth to him in pain. With such a burden, it is very likely that he was rejected and ridiculed.
Yet, he firmly believed in the mercy of the God of his ancestors. He mustered the courage to turn to the God of Israel and make this historic request:
“If you would bless me indeed ” — Asking God for the strength to prosper and bear fruit.
“And if you would enlarge my territory” — Requesting the expansion of his territory and influence.
“And if your hand were with me” — Seeking God’s presence to succeed in all his endeavors.
“And if you would keep me from harm, so that I would be free from pain” — Imploring God’s protection to escape torment.
God answered Jabez’s prayer and considered him more honorable than his brothers. Why? Because he had the courage not to focus on his temporary situation, but to place his trust in the One who is eternal.
Application for Today:
Act with honor and lift your voice to the Lord:
Ask Him to increase and multiply the grace, wisdom, abilities, and opportunities for growth that He has already placed within you (the Holy Spirit).
Ask Him for His guidance to protect you from hasty decisions with painful consequences.
Beloved, you are in Christ: dare to ask great things of your Heavenly Father, for He desires only your good.
Jesus’ beloved !
AMEN & AMEN 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 ! !