Jabez Called on God

Called on the God of Israel

There comes a time when the boundaries set by those who have authority over our lives seem restrictive. It could be the strict discipline at home or the lack of opportunity for promotion at work. It is like having a garment  on, that is too tight! Imagine being put in a compartment or cell that hardly has room for you to stretch yourself!  It is frustrating! In such a situation we need to beware of our natural reaction.

Jealousy towards those who seem to be free.
Self pity towards myself.
Rebellion against those who have authority over me.

If we continue to gaze on our situation and others and give way to anger, it would lead us to break the boundary impulsively and forcibly. This could be a child rebelling against a parent. Although this may seem to give temporary relief, the end result would be confusion and guilt. Parents are also asked not to provoke their children to anger by setting unreasonable boundaries. The only correct solution in such a situation therefore is to pray.

In every situation, it is necessary for us to understand three important points.

1. God has set for me a structure of authority with other people in this world and commands me to keep to that order.      
2. God has overall authority and is able to change any situation in my life if I let Him.
3. I receive the blessings He has planned for me by asking Him.

God has the authority and the ability to enlarge my territory!
In his frustration, Jabez did not fight with his mother but did the right thing by going to the right Person and praying the right prayer.

Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

Romans 10:13 (NKJV)
For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

1 John 5:14 (NKJV)
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Jabez called on the God of Israel, Who is the Creator and Sustain-er of the universe, the Almighty God. He has revealed Himself to us through His Son Jesus and given Him a name that is above every name. Jesus said,


John 14:14 (NKJV)
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Call on the name of Jesus in sincerity and in truth if you want to change the course of your life on earth and your eternal destiny.