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1 Chronicles 4:10, 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.

When Charlotte and I went on our cruise I took a book from my book case with me to read during down time; I read it twice.  The book has been on my shelf for many years and it was time to read again.  The Prayer of Jabez written by Bruce Wilkerson is about the verse above, a request Jabez made to God and a request God granted.  The next few days I want you see what the author had to say and why I believe this prayer should be the desire of every Christian.

In his daily writing called Echoes from the Campground my friend D. C. Adkisson stated today, “This world is a mess!”  (Check his writings at irapaine.com).  All you need to do is look around and you have to agree.  This is a time for Believers that are walking in the deeper water (flowing from the temple of God) to be a testimony to those on the shore and those in ankle deep water.  Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4:14b “…. But the water I shall give will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”  In the days we are living, the body of Christ must be a light to this dark world.

Bruce Wilkerson’s opening statement in this book: “This little book you’re holding is about what happens when ordinary Christians decide to reach for an extraordinary life – which, as it turns out, is exactly what kind God promises.”  It has been my desire to be the Christian who is fully submerged in the water flowing from the temple of God, one who is fully obedient to where the Holy Spirit is wanting me to do.  The challenge I have faced is trying to help the Lord in that.  Too often I have tried to tell Him what I thought He should be doing.  You know God has to have a sense of humor.  But, “My thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are My ways your ways, “says the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).  For quite some time I have been praying Jabez’s prayer – just with different words.

Jabez prayed a one-line prayer.  The only other statement about Jabez in the Bible is that Jabez was honorable, more honorable than his brothers.  It was a prayer from Jabez’s heart that matched the desire of God and God granted his request. 

The man led Ezekiel into deeper water.  Are you willing to go deeper?  As we examine Wilkerson’s thoughts on the prayer Jabez prayed, I am going to pray that his prayer becomes yours.  Together I believe we will used to further the kingdom of heaven on earth.
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