Devotional 2-17-08

The Lenten season is a time for us to do some soul searching to find where we are in our faith journey and where we want to be. It is a time to set some spiritual goals for ourselves that will direct our growth toward Christ-like-ness. How can we as ordinary Christians lead the extraordinary lives that God calls us to?

In I Chronicles 4:9-10 we find a little known character, Jabez, who is described as more honorable than his brothers. He prayed that God would grant that he have more and do for God. Most of you have heard or read this very special prayer. “’Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.”

What were Jabez’s goals? Bruce Wilkinson, in his book, The Prayer of Jabez, explains that Jabez asked God to 1) give him more to do, more responsibility, 2) keep his hand on him, and 3) keep him from evil so that he would not cause pain to others.

Now, as we think of our own lives during these 40 days, could we pray the same prayer and set similar goals for ourselves? What would be the result if each of us asked God for more to do, more responsibility for advancing His kingdom in this time and place. What needs to be done? What talents and resources do you have that can be used to get these things done? Is God calling you to step out in faith and accept more responsibility for fulfilling Johnson Memorial’s new mission statement?

God has promised to keep his hand on us and to give us the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide our every effort for Him, and all we need to do is ask. What difference would it make in your life to believe that God’s hand is always with you. Would you be able to enlarge your territory in regard to what you do for God?

Note Jabez’s last goal, that God would keep him from evil so that he would not cause pain to others. His thought was for his family, friends and neighbors. How might our relationships change if this were our prayer?

May God give you more to do, keep his hand on you, and keep you from evil and causing pain to others.

Maudie Karickhoff