"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request." -1 Chronicles 4: 9-10
I often thought that God was going to judge me based on what I asked for. Before approaching Him in prayer, I would have this preconceived notion in my head of what He would grant and what He would surely withhold from me and thereby carefully choose my words rather than beseech Him like a desperate, needy child. In those moments I found myself not only underestimating His great power and love for me, but also limiting my availability for God.
I need to pray more like Jabez, this unknown character in an obscure part of the Bible, who was recognized specifically for the nature of his prayer. I need to also remember: My Father loves me. A childlike faith. Ask and you will receive. I often forget it's as simple as that.
