“[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
God wants you to live your life to the fullest, with dreams and goals rooted in the knowledge of his power and love for you. He wants you to have great ambition and a growing faith.
Jabez’s prayer life was the secret to accomplishing his dreams. He prayed, “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” (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV).And then the verse continues, “God granted his request.”
Did you know that you can’t out-ask or out-dream God? The Bible says, “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). Go ahead and stretch your imagination to the greatest thing that could possibly happen—and then realize God can go beyond that.
Jabez knew this about God, so he prayed three things:
Jabez prayed for God’s blessing in his life. He prayed, “Oh, that you would bless me!” You might say, “I shouldn’t ask God to bless me. That’s selfish.” But according to God, asking for blessing is absolutely fine. He wants to bless your life when you are walking faithfully with him.
Jabez prayed for God’s power in his life. He prayed, “Let your hand be with me.” He asked for God’s power. Jabez knew that if he got more land and a larger territory, he would have greater demands and more responsibilities. He knew he’d need God’s help to manage it all.
Jabez prayed for God’s protection over his life. He prayed, “Keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” Why does Jabez ask for God’s protection? Because he knew that the more successful you are, the more critics you have. The same thing is true in the Christian life: The closer you grow to the Lord, the stronger you become as a Christian, and the more the devil will hassle you. You’re going to need God’s protection.
Whatever you want God to do in your life, ask him.
But first, get the motive behind your goals and dreams in alignment with God’s will. Next, pray the three things Jabez prayed: for God’s blessing, power, and protection. Then watch how God answers your prayers!
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Help Share the Good News of Jesus with the World!
In God’s Answers to Life’s Difficult Questions, Pastor Rick Warren takes you to the Bible to find practical, life-changing guidance for some of life’s biggest struggles.
This book will help you:
- Cope with stress in a healthy, biblical way
- Find peace and confidence in times of crisis
- Rebound from failure and move forward with purpose
- Overcome loneliness and build meaningful relationships
- Experience real, lasting change through God’s truth
Request your copy today when you give to help take the hope of Jesus to the world through Daily Hope. And thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
