Prayer: A Passionate Plea
How do you cope with painful experiences? Do you lose hope and fall into depression?
The Bible speaks about a man named Jabez—his very name means “pain” (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
Can you imagine? Whenever people thought about or called out for Jabez, they were reminded of pain. Still, Jabez lived an honorable life. He rose above his past. He broke free of the meaning of his name. He soared higher than the expectations of others.
There's much to learn from Jabez’s prayerful attitude:
- Jabez’s emotional, painful past drew him closer to God. He could have blamed his situation. He could have blamed his mother who named him. But instead, he became intimate with God.
- Jabez passionately asked God for a change of status. God can change your painfulness and brokenness into blessedness. Jabez sought God’s blessing out of a genuine desire to bless others in his sphere of influence.
- Jabez longed to be covered by the presence of God. As long as the hand of God rests upon us, His presence envelops us and we are safe.
You see, Jabez’s short but intense prayer had a significant impact.
And God is watching and waiting for us to make bold and passionate prayers, too. He is ready and willing to change us and our situation.
Therefore, stop feeding on past negativity. Get intimate with God and feast on His Word today.
Be passionate in your pleas like Jabez, and even Jesus (Hebrews 5:7).
The Lord hears your cry. He sees your tears. He knows your pain and desperation. And He is able to lift you up and out of it to make you a blessing.
The arms of the Savior are safe and secure. They are loving and everlasting. And they are wide open for you.
