Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "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!" So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

The prayer of Jabez is a story often told. It has given much encouragement and hope to many who are struggling to overcome life’s difficult circumstance. His mother named him based on a personal experience while bearing him. It could be a difficult child birth, or a sad pregnancy. Whatever it was, he was named according to his past. His life, and therefore his future was defined as it were, by his past.

That doesn’t seem quite fair, does it? Indeed, and therefore Jabez was not contented. He knew he was created for more. He did not want his entire life to be defined by a past which he had no control over, a past which he could not change. We also know that he was an honourable man, a trustworthy man. Even in looking for more in life, he did not trade in his honourable character. He did not compromise. That has gained him favour with the Lord. He asked for blessings from God, enlarge his territory, his capacity for more, and he asked for God’s presence to be with him, and protect him for evil, and that he will not cause pain to others. He wanted a God-given destiny, not the one defined by his name!

You may be in a state of life where you know that you were made for more. There is much more that is in store for you, that God has given you promises that you are yet to see fulfilled. Hold on to those promises. Don’t trade in your honourable character. Don’t compromise on God’s Kingdom values. Ask from the Lord His destiny for you. Contend for your destiny in prayers. Refuse to give in to the mold the world is trying fit you in. For He will show His favour on you, and “grant what your request.”

In this coming year, ask a dream from God concerning your destiny. Dare to dream His dream!

Prayer Focus

1. If you believe your life is more than what it is now, pray to contend the works of darkness and fruits of sins, iniquities that are hindering you. Take responsibility and don’t blame.
2. Pray for strength, wisdom and grace to refuse the conforming pressure from the world, the flesh and the devil in your life and around you today. Resist them in warfare prayers!