Answered Prayer

Have you ever heard of the prayer of Jabez? Jabez’s name means son of sorrow or son of pain.

Can you imagine naming your child meaning something that people don’t like?

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV.

Beloved, when was the last time you experienced an answer to your prayers? Have you heard the secular song by Garth Brooks about thanking God for unanswered prayers? I really think God answers prayers but it may not on our time table or maybe no or maybe wait.

When I was in Israel, I met Pam, Pam prayed about everything. On our way home from Israel we spent the night in Brussels. So a group of us walked to the downtown area of Brussels. When we were walking home, she prayed for God to send a taxi. It was 1 am in the morning and the police in a paddy wagon came by and asked us what we were doing so after explanation, they drove away. They stopped about 500 feet from where we were and offered to give us a ride back to the motel. God answered Pam’s prayer.

As I grow older, I’ve seen many prayers answered. God answered my prayer to have children, He answered my prayer to graduate from nursing school, He provided for my retirement. The list of answered prayer is numerous.

Jabez asks for God’s blessing and to enlarge his coast. God answers Jabez’s prayer.

Jabez is now known not as the son of sorrow but as a man whose prayers were answered.

Are you a woman of prayer? One of the best ways is to pray when you wake up and another is to make a list of prayer requests and then date them as the prayers are answered. Also, the more specific the request you can seek God’s handiwork as He answers your prayers.

Tracie Miles from Proverbs 31 says a way to pray without ceasing is to not say amen.

As I look back, I see God’s answers to my prayers, how about you?

Father God, thank you for giving us the ability to pray to you anytime, anywhere. You answer the prayers of your saints. I pray for the woman who has doubts, may she bring the doubts to you. I pray for us as we are experiencing uncertain times. Your word says if we will humble ourselves, you will heal our land. Please heal our land. In Jesus’ name. Amen.