In our devotion yesterday we explored how some encounters in the bible led to a Name change that transformed people's trajectory forever - however we don't always have to have a name change to signify the power of God over us and our situations.
For example we have the interesting case of Jabez, whose name means “causes pain.” Now there’s a name many people we know have lived up to without even having the name.
Of course no-one would really want to have a legacy of giving Pain and it was no different for Jabez. But unlike the others we spoke of previously, Jabez did not experience a name changing encounter but rather he sought God's authority over his destiny and legacy and Jabez prayed a remarkable prayer that he “might not cause pain,” and God granted his request.
Jabez prayed and we too should all pray that, we might live beyond the limited expectations of other's word over us; that we might break free of family histories, bad beginnings, and poor parenting. Jabez was determined that the input of others would not determine his outcome. and so he pressed in to pursue the input from a Good God who would brings about a God outcome!
Prayer is that powerful tool that we can employ to speak God's Life altering Power over the circumstances that we find ourselves in. While everyone still calls him Jabez to this day, everyone who knows his story also knows that His life was not one of pain but of success and power over the pain that had been spoken over him.
In our journey of Fasting, Prayer is the absolute trigger to releasing God's authority over any situations that have ensnared us or prevented us from walking in God's Victory. When we Pray we encounter God is awesome ways that we could have never thought or imagined. Like Jabez, that power to pray is available to anyone who believes. Prayer allows us to encounter God's power and releases us to allow God to be God over our lives as we trust him to do what only God can do.
Scripture Reflection:
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT
There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.
Philippians 4:6 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
James 5:16 NLT
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Luke 18:1 NLT
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
John 15:7 NLT
But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
Never stop praying.
Prayer Time:
Lord thank you that I have power over any situation when i link hands with you in prayer. Today I pray that I would never stop praying but would daily live a life surrendered to you in prayer as i trust you to birth in me greatness. I speak your light over my future and declare freedom over the situations i have inherited. Thank you for the freedom to pray and the authority that has been granted to me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen
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