Let’s be honest.
When you’re trying to read through the Bible, it’s extremely tempting to skip over the genealogies.
Am I right?
And yet, if you were to skim over the 600 or so names that fill 1 Chronicles 1-7, you might miss the one name that stands out in a unique way.
In fact, of all the names mentioned in this genealogy, only one name receives any sort of commentary.
Jabez.
And this man, Jabez, is mentioned because of his prayer.
And his prayer was simple.
He asked God to give him more influence.
He asked God to never leave him.
He asked God protect him as much from trouble and pain.
And the Bible says that “God granted his request”.
Now, while you may feel like you are just one of many people in this church, this city, or this community, maybe you’re more than that. You’re certainly more than just a name.
So, maybe you were made to stand out. And maybe you need to start asking God to give you more influence. And maybe you need to ask God to be with you in everything you do. And maybe you need to ask God for His protection of your life and family.
And maybe, just like Jabez, God will grant those requests.