Did you ever get into a rut and feel like there is no way out? That's what happened to Jabez, who felt the pain of rejection from his family (see 1Chronicles 4:10). But Jabez decided that he wasn't going to go through life without God's best. One day he cried out to God because he'd had enough. Jabez cried out to the Lord God asking, 'Oh that You would bless me indeed and make me fruitful and multiplied and enlarge my territory, increasing my borders, that Your hand would be with me and that You would keep me safe from all evil, that I would not cause pain.'
So God granted His request. Jabez believed that he could come to God's throne boldly and pour out his hurt and frustration. He believed that God wanted to bless him even though he certainly wasn't experiencing that in his life. Something rose up in Jabez, and he made a bold request petitioning God for His best blessings. And God heard and answered. We can come boldly to God's throne and remember that He is gracious and loving towards us (Hebrews 4:16) It can be a major turning point in our lives. It was for Jabez.
Rhet Peterson