First Chronicles gives us a record of events during the history of the Israelite people. Chapter four begins with the descendants of the clans of Judah. Then in the ninth verse, we are given the name Jabez. He stands out in a sense, because we are given a little more information about him. We know very little about him. Scripture tells us, "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers" (1 Chronicles 4:9a). This speaks for itself, in that Jabez was a cut above the rest. His mother, whose name was not given, named him Jabez, "Saying, 'I gave birth to him in pain'" (1 Chronicles 4:9b). Somewhere along the way I am persuaded that Jabez's mother had planted the seed of prayer upon him.
Jabez was no ordinary person nor was he content with himself. Jabez wanted to be more in the eyes of his God. With this desire laying heavily upon his heart, he petitioned God, in hope of changing his situation. This in itself tells us that he was aware of a higher power, greater than his mere existence, and that he desired a closer relationship with this God. Jabez cried to his God from the depths of his heart and waited for the answer that he sought. Jabez's prayer reflected not only his heart, but his soul, and his mind.
Jabez prayed to God with the assurance that his prayer would be answered. There was no wavering in his faith. Let us look at his fourfold petition found in 1 Chronicles 4:10:
1. "Oh, that you would bless me."
Jabez wanted the happiness of God.
This could only be as Jabez walked with God.
2. "And enlarge my territory."
Jabez wanted more responsibility.
3. "Let your hand be with me."
Jabez wanted God to be watchful over him.
4. "And keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."
Jabez didn't want any slip-ups to befall him.
We must be mindful that sin is our greatest enemy.
In short, Jabez's fourfold petition can be seen as a prayer of:
IMPROVEMENT
ENLARGEMENT
PROTECTION
COMMITMENT
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller book, The Prayer of Jabez, had to make a lot of money on this book, because of him, much attention has been given to this prayer, which has been tucked away in the Book of 1 Chronicles. Jabez prayed what was on his heart. God heard him and answered him. Just like Jabez, it is important to have your own personal relationship with God, grounded and routed in Jesus. By doing so, we will have the assurance that God will hear us and He will act according to His divine will. This was Jabez's prayer and Scripture clearly tells us, "And God granted his request." There is a prayer we can all pray, "Lord, what would you have me to do?" If you pray this prayer faithfully, God will be able to tell you what He wants you to do, and that is to glorify and honor His righteous and holy name, to communicate with Him, to love, worship, and be about His kingdom building. When you do this, you will not have an excuse for not doing your part in the kingdom.
When we pray, we should be expecting divine favor. Jabez's petition was large, but he offered it to a King; therefore, there was no withholding of favor from God. Jabez acknowledged God as the source of all his blessings. Jabez's prayer was selfish, but spiritual. I can identify with Jabez, because my God "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20).
Jabez is distinctly remembered, for not what he did, but for what he prayed. His prayer became the distinction in his life, to remove him from pain, to being blessed by God. Jabez called on the One true God that could and would make the difference in his life. His prayer allowed God to release His will, His power, and His blessing in Jabez's life.
When we petition God, we are stepping out on faith, believing that it is ours before it is granted. Are you willing to be like Jabez by doing the "extra" and allowing God to use you for His extraordinary work that He has for your life? "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).