Jabez was honorable above his brothers; but his mother named him Jabez [sorrow maker], saying, Because I bore him in pain. Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.” ‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭4:9-10‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

The hand of God with Jabez was to lead hem. He was tired trying to be his own boss . So he had to take the position of a servant to be led by God into his eden. The place of prosperity and superabundance for His life.

Jabez situation is a great example for our learning as believers in Christ

Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period).” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:11‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

We are not responsible in leading ourselves as children of God or tell God how to lead us. We are not even supposed to put up fleeces. God never asked us to do that. But the Bible says

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!” ‭Romans‬ ‭8:14-15‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

It’s God’s responsibility to lead us by his Spirit and our duty is to follow. That’s why waiting on God through prayer, studying of the Word of God and fellowship in worship is important in helping us to follow the leading a of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word. This day I surrender to Your leading through Your Spirit in Jesus name. Amen