Tuesday's Tidbit

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Good morning to one and all! 

Yesterday morning, I received a call from a longtime friend and mentor, and my day was made as a result of our conversation. She has been a source of encouragement, inspiration, and godly counsel to me for over forty years. Every time I talk with her, I am helped, and yesterday's call was no exception.

First of all, she mentioned that I had been on her mind during her prayer time for several days, and that was of great encouragement to me. God cared enough about me to lay me on someone's heart, and that person was sensitive enough in the Spirit to hear God whispering my name. Then, she asked me, "Do you pray the Prayer of Jabez?" It had been quite a while since I had read the verse in I Chronicles, and even though I knew what she was talking about, I had to confess that I did not pray that particular prayer. 

My friend went on to relate that she had been praying that prayer since 1988, even before the popular book about Jabez was written. She believed and related to me that if Jabez could pray as HE did, and God granted HIS request, why couldn't WE pray that same way? Needless to say, her words struck a chord deep within my spirit. 

Later on in the evening, I was still thinking on our conversation, so I went to my Bible, found the verse in I Chronicles, and wrote it down in my journal. Another phrase in this verse that my friend pointed out was "enlarge my coast" - which, in her words, meant "broaden my influence" - WOW! Do we ever pray like that, that God would broaden the territories where we meet people and try to lead them to Him? Again, my soul was stirred.

While I have withheld my friend's name for privacy reasons, she and her husband will soon be 76 (if I remember correctly), and they have started home mission churches, pastored established churches, and been missionaries in many countries..... and they are still going strong for God! He truly has broadened their influence since they began to work for Him! And, God is no respecter of persons; He will do the same for us - if we ask Him to!

So, I fully intend to pray this prayer as Jabez did from now on, and perhaps you'll join me!

In closing, just a simple chorus (written by Ron Kenoly); simple but with a heartfelt plea.....

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me

Take my hands, Lord, and my feet

Touch my heart, Lord, speak through me

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me

God bless you, my friends, and may He use our willing souls and bodies to work for Him, wherever, whenever, and however HE chooses!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.............