Dreaming Big & The Prayer of Jabez
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Diane Sawyer of “Good Morning America” wrote in Guidepost magazine about meeting Catherine Marshall. Expecting a pep talk, Diane was not prepared for what Catherine had to say: “You set goals, but I don’t think you set them high enough. I think you should take those goals and expand them. Think of the most you could do with your life. Make what you do matter. Above all, dream big.”
Diane took her message to heart and learned to dream big but what about the rest of us? Will God help us set higher goals and learn to dream big? Has your church learned to dream big? The question is: “Do you believe God can do big things through you and your church? Are you seeking to fulfill God’s purpose?”
“Prayer of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson is about a prayer by a virtually unknown Bible character named Jabez. "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!” (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
Our church took a “Prayer of Jabez” challenge as we asked God to “enlarge our territory.” One answer came within months when we found ourselves sharing facilities with a church destroyed by a tornado. The unique relationship forged between our two congregations, white, black, Baptist and Methodist created unique experiences and resulted in our community rebuilding their church.
I’ve prayed many times for God to enlarge my territory: Years ago, I wanted to do more. I soon left the business world to become a minister. While going through a divorce, I asked God: Why call me into ministry? God then led me to form a divorce recovery and singles ministry. When serving three small churches I asked for help reaching more people, so I started writing a weekly devotional column that led to this book. When bombarded with hundreds of prayer concerns, I asked for God’s help and formed a prayer ministry with hundreds of partners. I prayed for a project for our church, and we were asked to help the town of Kalmunai, Sri Lanka rebuild from a devastating Tsunami.
I challenge you ask God to enlarge your territory. Here is what I predict. You will have your life and purpose stretched. Some of you will make radical life-changing decisions. Most of you will see a clear example of God working within your life. Your church may even take on at least one new special project through God’s leading.
Prayer Challenge: Dream big and take the “Prayer of Jabez” challenge.