Pray like Jabez

It’s time to take a look at 2021 and start praying like Jabez. Have you ever read the prayer of Jabez? It was bold, it was brilliant, and it demonstrated that Jabez had a healthy faith in God. “And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV) 

Let’s face it—2020 tested our faith, health, and financial prowess—but 2021 can be our great comeback year. Do you believe this? Jabez believed it, and so do I. 

There are a few important elements in this prayer that I’d like you to personalize for your life, family, and business: 

1. Jabez stood out as an honorable man amongst his peers: “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, ‘I gave birth to him in pain.’” (1 Chronicles 4:9, NIV) Jabez stood out to God because he was trying to live for Him. Please don’t get discouraged, friend. Your labor for God is not in vain. You will reap good things because of your sacrifice and love.
2. Jabez had a rough start in life. His momma called him “Pain.” Can you imagine his home life? “Hey Pain, get me the dishes.” “Hey Pain, I’ll never forget how much pain you gave me in childbirth.” “You’re such a pain.” friend, what was your childhood like? Was there trauma and pain? 
3. Jabez appealed to God to bless him. “Oh, that You would bless me.” These words remind me of the blind man who screamed on the streets of Jericho: “He called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Luke 18:38, NIV) Jabez had a Holy Spirit boldness and faith to ask and be specific. 
4. Jabez also asked for practical things, like “expand my territory” and “may Your hand be with me.” 
5. Jabez asked for one more thing: “You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” This is perhaps the request that speaks most loudly about his character. Oh God, please don’t allow me to mess up and cause pain to others. Wow! Jabez was honorable.

friend, 2021 can be the greatest year of your life. Be bold and ask God for incredible things because you are designed to be a miracle.