Jabez was named after a difficult time for his mother. To some extent, we all have empty, futile ways of life handed down by our ancestors (1 Peter 1:18). These ways work against us moving beyond natural limitations to fulfill Jesus’ call on our lives. We are called to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth and have mastery over it. We are called to share the good news of Jesus, to be disciples, and to make disciples for him. Words spoken to us or about us may also get in the way of our ability to be a blessing on the earth and to others. Jabez called out to the one true God to be set free from having that inheritance and those words limit and determine the path of his life. Did you read the end of the verse? “God granted him what he requested!”

 

These examples are in the Bible for us. The miracle of sharing in Jesus’ inheritance is available for you because of the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18). If you need to repent, may the Holy Spirit convict and enable you to do so; this is also grace from God (John 16:8, Titus 2:11-12). Then, lay your natural heritage (good and bad) at the feet of Jesus. Place the evil-speaking to you and about you – whether from your own mind, other people, or evil spirits – at the feet of Jesus. May God enlarge your territory and make you a blessing on the earth.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You for the example of Jabez and his prayer. As I seek You and Your righteousness first, I pray that You would enlarge my territory for effective discipleship. Open my eyes to ministry opportunities beyond my natural family. Open my ears to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to speak Jesus to people in the workplace, on the street, and in the marketplace. Show me how to make better use also of social media and electronic communication to expand the territory into which I speak the life and trust and hope I have in Jesus. And keep me from evil so that I will not cause pain or be a stumbling block keeping others from loving, and following, and serving Jesus.

In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Read 1 Peter chapter 1 out loud today. See that God’s power is more than enough to overcome the lack, limitations, hindrances, and setbacks that attempt to limit your calling in Jesus, if you set yourself to seek God first and say yes to His direction.