Destiny Grace Platform

YOU TOO CAN CHANGE THE NARRATIVE: THE PRAYER OF JABEZ (3)

"...and enlarge my coast, and that thin hand might be with me..." -1 Chron.4:10b

God had truly promised Abraham to give the land of Canaan as an inheritance to his generation forever, but that land was still inhabited as at the time Israel entered it. They were to claim their inheritance by driving out, through war the present dwellers. That they succeeded in doing this, is not because they were stronger or mightier than those people but because God's hand was with them. When we use the human attributes to describe God, it doesn't mean He is human, no, but to convey certain spiritual truth. Theology called this anthropomorphism. The hand of God here connotes His strength and wisdom at work in an individual. It also connotes God's leadership of an individual or group. Jabez could accomplished little or nothing without God's power and wisdom. Expansion in all aspect of our lives is not possible without God's enablement - Isa. 48:17. So Jabez knew this and prayed for expansion and God's power because the two cannot be divorced from each other. God is the secret of success in life. That doesn't mean that a prayer for expansion and God's presence is enough to make one great, no, it is not. No matter how spiritual you are, there are certain things that must be put in place for God to answer our prayers. The twin factor is faith and works. In fact, two of the most important marks of a truly spiritual person is the level of his faith in God and himself and the quality of his works. Jabez prayed, but also work towards expansion. God will not do it until a certain platform is raise to attract His response. Expansion is not a sign of greed on the part of the petitioner but the will of God for us. It takes a billionaire to run a private army. Abraham had 318 trained fighters, whom he housed and fed - Gen.14:14. So it is very normal for a child of God to aspire for greatness. Jabez wanted this and he worked hard and got it. Which area of your life needs expansion? Are you sure you can navigate through life without God's guidance and empowerment? Ask God for the grace and wisdom to expand your business frontiers. It is His will to make you great. God has this penchant for turning a nobody into somebody. Receive grace for expansion. May the Lord strengthen your resolve to make it in life. May He, like Jabez, change your story by empowering you with strength and wisdom. Remain highly blessed and secured, in Jesus name. Amen.

Revd. Benjamin Ntekim

YOU TOO CAN CHANGE THE NARRATIVE: THE PRAYER OF JABEZ (2)

"And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that wouldest bless me INDEED..." - 1 Chron. 4:10a (KJV) Emphasis added.

Prayer is an indispensable ingredient that must feature prominently in the life of a man on the road to destiny. Prayer is not only a platform for fellowship with God, but also a demonstration of our implicit faith and trust in God, who is the giver of destiny. Prayer is the live wire of any sound spiritual entity. Jabez was born a child of circumstances but did not allow that to influence his approach to life and success. He cleaved to God and look unto Him for help. He prayed for blessing. Now what is blessing? Let's start by defining what blessing is not. Blessing is not money. It is not material acquisition. It is not owning chains of businesses, though all the aforementioned are all products of blessing. Blessing is an intangible force or influence. It is operating under supernatural help. The bible speaking of Uzziah, said, he was marvelously helped till he was strong. - 2 Chron.26:15. Blessing is the hand, the presence of God upon individual. It is His power at work in an individual. If blessing was material wealth, Jacob wouldn't struggle with the Angelic visitor at river Jabok that morning for a blessing. He had everything except the blessing, that was why he cried out and struggle for it. Jabez needed God's hand, presence and power in his life - that's the blessing. David speaking in Psalm says, blessed is the man whose God is the Lord. To be blessed means to possess God and belong to Him. King Melchizedek of Salem, blessed Abraham, describing him as Abram of the most high, possessor of heaven and earth- Gen. 14:19. When Jabez prayed for blessing, he was implying that God should empower him for success. So no matter how smart, intelligent and resourceful and well connected we are, if we neglect this all important aspect of our lives, we are surely going to fail. The God factor cannot be substituted for anything or anyone. Go back to the place of prayer, go back to God and confess your utter helplessness before Him. He will make a great man or woman out of you, if you're willing to pay the necessary price. To every great destiny is attached a great price. Jabez ignored his background, his name and look beyond them, to the Almighty God is able to make great things out of nothing. Until we are empowered by God, no matter how rich we are, we are not blessed INDEED and that's the difference. May God bless you indeed as you take this responsibility. Remember, in every divine intervention, there is always the human factor in it. Remain highly lifted in Jesus name. Amen.

Revd. Benjamin Ntekim
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