1 Chronicles 4:10 - Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
Jabez is an interesting person. He is only mentioned twice in the Bible. Both times, in the Book of First Chronicles. That his story takes up only two verses does not mean that he isn't a crucial individual for Christians to learn from.
In 1 Chronicles 4:10, he said the following prayer - “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”
What a simple, yet all-encompassing prayer. His petition sought God's blessing, success, constant presence, and protection. He didn't come to God claiming to deserve anything. He appealed to the Lord's compassion. It may surprise many, but that same verse, and the story of Jabez, ended with the revelation that God granted his request.
Like Jabez we should cry out to God to bless us. Part of being blessed is having godly endeavors that do well and provide financial security for ourselves, our staff, and those whose lives our business touch. We should cry out to the Lord that the territory our business takes up be expanded so there is more success.
Jabez was a mere mortal just like you and I. In fact, we are told in 1 Chronicles 4:9 that he "was more honorable than his brothers." This does not suggest that he was perfect but simply someone who managed to live more righteously than his family members.
Also, that same verse reveals that his name was tied to his mother's pain as Jabez means “I gave birth to him in pain.” Arguably, his name was a curse and it likely impacted him negatively, spurring the need to cry out to God as he did.
The fact that he wasn't perfect and that his name was tied to pain didn't prevent Jabez from asking God to help him. Neither did these factors prevent God from granting his request.
Are you tired of struggling in your business? Do you need God to bless your entrepreneurial affairs and expand them? Are you in need of His presence - which brings wisdom, His protection, and more? I know I am so please join me in prayer -
Almighty God. You are great and greatly to be praised. Thank You for the Bible teaches, and I believe this to be true, that You are the source of every good and perfect gift.
Father, You have given me a business/business idea and I thank You for that grace. Lord I know I cannot proceed or do anything without Your blessing. Only then will I and my business please You. And so, like Jabez, I cry out to You, the God of Israel. “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” May this prayer cause Your blessings, guidance, protection and wisdom to rest upon my business affairs. Be Thou glorified and lifted high, IJMN Amen.
And now, we work with diligent hands and trust in the God who answers prayers said in accordance with His will. We can have faith that He has heard us and will grant our request.