Day 9: In Jesus… Pray Boldly, Wait Expectantly, Receive Abundantly
There was a man, who because his mother gave birth to him in pain, was named Jabez. His name’s meaning is Pain or Sorrow. Despite his name, this man was more honorable than his brothers, and he really pleased the God of Israel. Do you want to know what he did to please God? He praised and worshipped Him by praying a bold prayer:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Did God rebuke Jabez for asking Him to bless him, enlarge his territory, be with him, keep him from harm, and be free from pain? Certainly not! In fact, in one of the most direct answers from God for a prayer request, the Bible tells us that “God granted his request.”
In another story, there was a centurion – a commander in the Roman army – during Jesus’ day. When Jesus was in the area, the centurion came to Him, asking for help concerning his servant who was paralyzed at home and suffering terribly. Jesus asked if he’d like for Him to come and heal the servant.
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Matthew 8:8-9
When Jesus heard this, He was amazed of the answer, and how the centurion has such great faith. And the result, Jesus told the centurion: “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
What do these stories have in common? Radical faith to ask an extravagant God who loves to lavish His children. And because radical faith was exercised, God radically goes to work and answers those prayers and requests.
Friends, we have a God who wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). But as the second part of the verse is implying: it is according to the power that works in us – meaning that we have to activate it by our faith, boldly asking Him with an expectation that He is faithful to meet the demand. Christ-believers ought to have this revelation that our God is able and willing to meet our needs, and He’s supplying our needs according to the riches of His glory (Philippians 4:19).
Reflection Questions:
- How do you see your Heavenly Father – a stingy far-off father or one who loves to lavish you with abundant blessings?
- When praying to God and petitioning Him of your prayers and requests, do you ask Him with confidence and great expectation knowing that He is faithful to exceedingly and abundantly answer those?
Radical Faith in Action:
Have an expectant mindset and a knowing heart that as Christ-believers we have a Father who loves to lavish His children. And ask Him through your prayers and requests, and see how faithful He is with His promises as answers to those prayers and requests come to pass!