The Request that God Could Not Decline

Daily Devotional – Saturday, September 4, 2021

And Jabez called on the God of Israel… So God granted him what he requested.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NKJV)

The writer of First Chronicles, while presenting a long genealogy, paused to mention a very important person. “Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’” (1 Chronicles 4:9).

Jabez’s name was a reminder of a painful childbirth experience. This, however, did not stop Jabez from becoming a respectable man. His secret? “And Jabez called on the God of Israel…” The only way a person can become respectable is through a genuine connection with the Almighty.

What kind of prayer requests can make one honourable? “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!” (verse 10).

Jabez was not satisfied with mere existence. He wanted abundant blessings. He craved excellence in everything he did. More importantly, Jabez asked God to be with him and to keep him from evil.

As a modern-day Jabez, your painful past should not define you. When you submit your plans to God, you will never go wrong. When the presence of God is with you, your sphere of positive influence will expand.

God’s response? “So God granted him what he requested” (verse 10). In the words of Apostle John, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14).

How can you make the prayer of Jabez yours?

Father, please fulfil the prayer of Jabez in my life today.