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." And God granted his request." 1Chronicles 4:10
Imagine you went to your mother and asked for more chores to do around the house simply because you wanted to do something to become more a part of the family. After you picked them up off the floor, I suspect she would give you the biggest hug you ever had. It would also signal a change in your relationship from one of childhood as a consumer to a more mature level where you wanted to take on more responsibility and give back out of gratitude. Do you think your mother would respond by denying your request because you didn't deserve to grow up in this way? Absolutely not. She would probably teach you, encourage you when you fail, and give you even more than you expected because of your attitude and her love. Jesus says,
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! [Matthew 7:11]
If God is wants to give you great gifts, what should our response be?
(1) Express gratitude and grow to trust His abundance.
When was the last time you thanked God for what you already had, or do you simply ask for more and more and more for yourself?
(2) Use them to help others who are lonely, afraid, and without hope
For people to live such a high standard and not have a care for those who are lonely is not only sinful, but a sign of immaturity. God is waiting for us to grow up until we're able to see others through His eyes and make a difference with our lives.
(3) Experience the fullness of God's love in service.
It is only when we're serving others that we experience God's power working through us into the lives of others.
How big is your territory? How much of a difference are you making for the Kingdom?