Steve Gaines

Don’t you love new beginnings? Each new year brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start. You know, we can look at the past, and we can even learn from the past, but we must not live in the past. So as you look forward to 2010, how about praying a bold prayer for God to work in your life in new ways this year?

Jabez lived in Old Testament times. In 1 Chronicles 4:10 he prayed and asked God to bless him and to enlarge his borders. He asked that God’s hand would be with him and that God would keep him from harm. The Bible says that God granted his requests.

Jabez’s name literally meant “pain,” but Jabez refused to allow his name to determine his life. He prayed a big prayer to a big God, and in time, he got big results. What did he ask for?

Increased abundance. Jabez wanted what God wanted—the very best for his life. So he prayed for God to bless him “indeed.”

Expanded influence. Jabez asked God to enlarge his borders so that he could impact more people for God’s glory.

Spiritual anointing. Jabez wanted God’s hand to empower him at all times.

Supernatural protection. Jabez knew that unless God defended him, he would keep watch in vain.

What God did for Jabez, He will do for you—if you will pray! What could this year be like if you prayed this way every day? May this be the most blessed year you have ever experienced as you spend time with your heavenly Father in prayer. God will do more than you can ask or think!