When I look back over the story of my life, it wasn’t immediately evident when I started a new chapter. There were no angels announcing in my childhood, “Chapter 1 – The Age of Innocence,” or in my twenties, “Chapter 2 – The Carefree Years,” nor even when my world was falling apart, “Chapter 3 – The Grim Years.”
Periods marked by events
Upon reflection, I can see periods of time in my life that were different than the others marked by events: marriage, infertility, childbirth, illness, rasing teenagers, floods, empty nest, calling, and grandchildren. (I’m hoping soon a future chapter will be titled, “retirement?”)
The truth is, none of these events were planned for an exact time in my life. I had no control over most of them. But the events showed up and God helped me deal with each one. I have every reason to believe He will continue to help me.
There are parts to my story
Maybe instead of chapters, my life story could be divided into parts: Part One – Life Before Salvation; Part Two – Life Before Praying Like Jabez; and Part Three – Life in the Expanded Territory.
Jabez called out to the God of Israel,
1 Chronicles 4:10 New English Translation
“If only you would greatly bless me
and expand my territory.
May your hand be with me!
Keep me from harm
so I might not endure pain.”
God answered his prayer.
Why did God answer Jabez’ prayer? I don’t know, but I do know in the midst of long list of genealogies, the Holy Spirit thought it was significant enough to have the Chronicler tell us this story.
The sequel – answered prayer
I decided I would be bold, too, and pray this prayer. The Lord has been expanding my territory ever since.
What will the next chapters contain? I have no idea, but I can’t wait to find out!
~~
This post was written in response to the prompt, “chapter,” shared at Five Minute Friday, where the goal is to write 5 minutes on a prompt. The timer went off just as the Lord reminded me of the prayer of Jabez, so I took extra time to share.
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Sharing at Five Minute Friday and Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday
Love your outlook here, Jerralea, viewing God as writing the chapters of your life, some better or more enjoyed maybe than others? But in the end, all beautifully woven into His Story for you!
Yes! As I have been learning about the craft of writing, I’m told every story needs a conflict. LIfe is not just dwelling in a rose garden – it’s blood, sweat, tears, avoiding temptation but also having times of rest, victory, joy and delight that for the child of God ends up in the most satisfying way.
Thanks for coming by, Donna!
God does write the chapters doesn’t he? Sometimes invisibly that we only see it in hindsight. FMF17
So curious about all the story behind those couple of sentences we have about Jabez. Someday we’ll meet him and get to find out! In the meantime, it’s exciting to see how God writes our chapters. Visiting from FMF#8
Normally I’d leave a sonnet of my own as comment, but instead, if I may, I’d like to offer a prayer written by Andre Zirnheld.
I’m asking You God, to give me what You have left.
Give me those things which others never ask of You.
I don’t ask You for rest, or tranquility.
Not that of the spirit, the body, or the mind.
I don’t ask You for wealth, or success, or even health.
All those things are asked of You so much Lord,
that you can’t have any left to give.
Give me instead Lord what You have left.
Give me what others don’t want.
I want uncertainty and doubt.
I want torment and battle.
And I ask that You give them to me now and forever Lord,
so I can be sure to always have them,
because I won’t always have the strength to ask again.
But give me also the courage, the energy,
and the spirit to face them.
I ask You these things Lord,
because I can’t ask them of myself.
God keeps showing up, so that we have reason upon reason to believe He’ll do it again. I may not always be how we expected but I guess that’s what keeps life interesting. I’m excited for your next chapter.
I hope you continue to share what the next chapters hold.
God writes such good stories in our lives – not easy stories. Sometimes, there are cliffhangers in these stories – but they are always redeeming stories. Agreeing with you in your prayer for expanded territories, for all you need – and that your story continues showing God taking you from glory to glory in each chapter!