Prayer of Jebez !The book that changed my life:

You might ask, “What does that mean?” I would love to explain what it means to me.

A few years ago I was attending a Bible study at the home of my friend, Diane Tenty. She is an excellent leader. As she passed out the study guide to each of us, she said we would each need a copy of The Prayer of Jabez, written by Dr. Bruce Wilkerson with David Kopp. She suggested we should be prepared for our lives to change as we read and studied the book during the next six weeks.

I, quite frankly, could not imagine how a little tiny book like that could change my life. It is only about 5x6 inches, which is not very thick. However, I discovered if God wants us to learn something it doesn’t matter how He decides to lead us. I admit I am a little bit thick headed so I was in for a big surprise.

The first night she handed a postcard to each of us that contained the bible verses that tell the story of the prayer of Jabez. Only two verses--that’s all. She then explained to us that as the Lord answered Jabez’ request, our ministry territory could expand in various ways if we adhere to Jabez’s request.

1Chronicles 4:9
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

1Chronicles 4:10
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.

When I returned home that first evening, I taped the postcard to my bathroom mirror. This reminded me each morning to read the verses as though it was my own personal prayer.

We were all amazed as we returned to study group the next week. Each of us had a story to tell!

The various "appointments" I experienced have developed into a book I published last year-"Reach out, Each day".

I would love to share one of my "Jabez Appointments with you! Read on!

During the first week after our study group meeting I was assigned to an incident, responsible for setting up an office in a hotel in Northern California.

At around 9:00am I headed down to the breakfast room to get a cup of coffee. I heard a heated conversation between a customer and the maid who was trying to clean up and put the food away. He was becoming quite loud, insisting she leave the food until he could get some for himself. In broken English, she tried to make him understand it was time for her to clean up, but he continued to argue. She was becoming frightened.

I had a very strong feeling I should try to calm him down. I walked in closer and asked the maid to give him a few minutes. She seemed so happy that someone was going to take over the problem, she just started backing out of the room!

As I began talking to him, I realized he was very upset with the man who had hired him to come to California to speak at a conference. There was a disagreement between them. He was saying what he would like to do to the guy, etc.

When he mentioned God, I knew I could remind him that as Christians we know we are supposed to always try to do what Jesus would do if He were here.

I reached over and laid my hand on his shoulder.

Suddenly, I felt something like a electric shock run from my shoulder all the way down my arm to his shoulder. He immediately became calm and apologized for causing a problem. After a moment, he thanked me for taking the time to listen to his problem. He looked down to my belt where my cell phone was clipped on and asked if he could borrow it to call and talk to the man he was angry with. I handed it to him and waited while he made the call.

Later that day I saw him again and he hurried over to me, thanking me again for helping him. I said, “Just remember, we are Gods children and we must care for and help each other whenever we can.

He replied, “I was just down town and saw what looked like a homeless guy, who told me he was really hungry. I took him into a café and bought him something to eat. It felt really good to help another person who was in trouble”

I could hardly wait to get back to our bible study to tell everyone about my Jabez appointment!!!

As the six weeks passed, we continued to feel God was leading us into situations where we could help others in some way.

I find that most people just need someone to care enough to listen to what is happening in their life.

If you enjoyed the preceeding story I will be happy to add a few more that are included in my newest book or you may want to purchase a copy from Amazon or www.lulu.com " Reach out Each day".