The Life-Changing Prayer of Jabez (Influencers: Jabez)
This Sunday, we continue our new worship series: Influencers. We’ll explore several stories from the Bible of people whose enduring faith and perseverance inspired generations. From modern-day YouTube influencers to biblical heroes, learn how God calls each of us to be influencers for His kingdom.
Today, dive deep into 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 to explore the remarkable story of Jabez – a man who transformed his painful past into purposeful influence through prayer. Despite being named “Pain” by his mother and buried deep in biblical genealogies, Jabez became one of the most memorable figures in Scripture through a simple but profound prayer. Learn how his four-part prayer can revolutionize your own influence and impact.
Sermon Reflections:
- What negative labels or names have others given you in the past, and how have you allowed (or not allowed) them to define your identity and potential?
- When Jabez prayed “enlarge my horizons,” he wasn’t seeking personal gain but kingdom impact. If you were to pray for God to enlarge something in your life, what would you ask for and why?
- We should rely on “God’s power, not your own.” In what areas of your life are you trying to create influence or make an impact through your own strength rather than seeking God’s hand upon you?
- How has pain or difficulty in your past been transformed (or could be transformed) into purpose that helps others? What wounds might God want to use for His glory?
- We know that “influence doesn’t necessarily belong to the powerful or famous.” How can you be a faithful influencer in your current sphere, even if it feels small or insignificant?
- If you committed to praying Jabez’s prayer daily — asking God to bless you, enlarge your horizons, keep His hand upon you, and protect you from causing pain — how might this change your daily interactions and decisions?
This week’s message was delivered in our modern service, but was also pre-recorded, as we celebrated our high school graduates during Sunday’s traditional service. You can view the livestream of Graduate Sunday here.