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!
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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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