Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight » (Proverbs 3: 5, 6).
Jabés is one of the least mentioned characters in the biblical story. Only two verses in the entire Bible! He is not famous for having fought fierce battles or defeating fearsome warriors. He also did not work miracles or was a powerful preacher. But he was a man of prayer who knew how to entrust himself to heaven at the key moment of his life.
It seems that Jabés did not come to this world in the best of circumstances. His name means ‘the one who causes pain’. It is very likely that your childhood and adolescence have been marked by suffering. But when he was young, he decided to pray to the Lord and ask what he knew would make him a successful man. That was why he begged heaven: «How I would like you to give me your blessing, to expand my territory, that your hand be with me and that you free me from evil, so that I do not suffer any harm!» (1 Chronicles 4:10).
The divine blessing. The blessing of heaven leads God to fulfill his purpose in our lives. What is the point of living without God’s blessing? Any success without his blessing is misleading and temporary.
Extension of influence to proclaim the gospel. Christ’s presence «broadens our territory» and enables us to be better people: more productive at work, more prosperous in business, more helpful in church, and better leaders in our homes. A Christian lives in constant advance motivated by the power of heaven.
Divine power to turn away from evil. The Christian must always be on guard, aware that temptation is just around the corner. You have to stay away from unnecessary risks. For that we need to depend on God every day.
Ability to enjoy life. The ability to enjoy divine blessings and triumphs in life comes from God. Jabés had suffered a lot during his childhood, and now he wanted to delight in the gifts of heaven.
The most exciting thing is that God granted what he asked for! He blessed him in all his projects; increased his opportunities for influence to preach his Word; helped him develop deep faith and divine dependence; he guided him so that he would not stray from the right path; and instructed him to enjoy the spaces of happiness that heaven granted him.
This day is the time to make relevant decisions and plead with the Lord for his direction. I invite you to make Jabés’s prayer your own so that you experience the power of the divine Word.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
