Now Jabez was more honorable (Hebrew: Heavy) than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” Jabez called out (in prayer) to the God of Israel, saying, “If only You would greatly bless me, and enlarge my territory. Let Your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I might not suffer pain.” Adonai granted what he asked.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Let’s reflect on last week’s lesson on the three critical arrows of 2024: Focus | Discipline | Endurance. What were your key highlights? What has changed so far? This year, here is a target we want to reach and aim for; 25 Millionaires. Remember this: if you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing. Discuss the things you need to focus on to achieve this. What disciplines do you need to start cultivating? What do you need to endure? Do not be left out. Be one of them.
From the scripture above, we learn three critical things that made Jabez aim and become a next-level person of his time. It is mentioned that he became more honourable (heavy/weightier) than his brethren. Despite the pain that he and his mother were suffering, Jabez chose and attempted to do great things in His life. In today’s lesson, we want to explore three keys to how Jabez converted his life to the next level.
KEY 1: GREAT DESIRE – Proverbs 10:24
Jabez had a great desire to change the circumstances around him and to stand tall, a desire. His very urgent desire was open and said out loud; TAKE AWAY MY PAIN AND SUFFERING! ENLARGE MY TERRITORY AND BLESS ME GREATLY. His resolve and his WHY were quite strong. He desired a life free of pain and suffering, a life of great blessing. What is your great desire today? How do you express it?
KEY 2: GREAT FAITH – Psalm 71:21 | Romans 10:17
Jabez firmly believed beyond doubt in Adonai, Lord, who holds all power and authority. This firm belief drove him to make a heartfelt prayer to him who could change any situation around him and his life. Looking at his suffering, it was nothing considered to his God, Adonai, who could change his situation. Greatness can only be obtained from a Great God, the source (Psalm 71:21). He refused to depend only on what he could do, but on what God can do through him and for Him.
KEY 3: GREAT PRAYER – James 5:13-17
We read that Jabez called out to God. This calling out is an act of intense and heartfelt prayer. In his afflictions, he got to a point of prayer. Are you afflicted today? You need to pray. The bible tells us that the heartfelt (fervent) prayer of a righteous man brings tremendous power and results. This can be seen through the words Jabez prayed, the words were detailed and organised to bring him out of the situation that he was in. In this season do not be silent. Call out to God. Call Out to Him for a great blessing and next-level enlargement in all areas of your life. Call out to God who will take away the pain and suffering. What are you calling out to God for? What is your urgent desire? Do not hesitate; Ask!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1.
What is your great desire in this season? How will you engage your Focus, Discipline and endurance to achieve it? (reply as an individual, family and as a Cell?
2.
What are you praying for in this season? How do you pray fervently? Would you need help to pray? Share prayer requests.
3.
What one thing are you doing every day to get you closer to your Goals? Are you one of the 25 Millionaires?
