What an awesome way to end this powerful prayer. God is so willing to answer our requests. He desires nothing more than our happiness. There are many bible promises in both the old and new testaments that are recorded for us to claim. However, there are conditions for these promises. That is the incredible thing about the prayer of Jabez. Not only does this prayer sum up the temporal needs and desires of Jabez, it includes his spiritual needs as well. He has met the conditions of God hearing and answering his prayer by requesting that God keep him from evil.

Although it pleases God to bless us with temporal blessings as He blessed Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob, David, Solomon, and so many others, there are times when God withholds these blessings from us. Sometimes He does so for His glory and other times He does this for our benefit. One thing is certain, though. God is eager to hear our requests and answer our prayers.

Sometimes our words, thoughts, and deeds separate us from God and make it impossible for God to bless us in the way He wishes to bless us. While sin is not the only reason for unanswered prayer, it is often the wall that prevents God from honoring our requests. Here is where the prayer of Jabez stands out to me. Not only does he ask for God's richest blessings, he acknowledges his weakness and dependence upon God for spiritual strength and growth. No human pride blinds the eyes of Jabez. He believes the most important thing is reflecting the character of his Creator and Redeemer. His love for God is the reason for his fourth appeal, "keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!"

Another reason we do not see more answers to prayer is because our prayers are not specific enough. Instead of asking for a $3,100 salary increase and better money management skills, we ask for God to help us win the lottery. I am sure we all agree that winning the lottery could be very beneficial. However, learning to manage what God has already given us is the first step in preparation for receiving greater wealth. By asking for more specific blessings and the ability to use those blessings wisely, we will see the Hand of God in our lives much more.

While there are many other points we could touch on, there is one more point that will make all the difference in the world. It is our duty to exercise our faith through action. Sometimes, Jesus is waiting for us to slow down and wait for Him to move. Other times He is waiting for us to get off the couch and do our part. When in doubt, we should be much quicker to look for ways we can put our faith into action before we start pointing fingers at God for not answering our prayers. If we are in need of a job, but don't send out resumes, read the classifieds, and visit the places we would like to work for, what gives us the right to blame God if we don't get a job. Regardless of our requests, God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. It is our duty to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and put our faith into practice.

If our prayers are not being answered like we expect or we think God should be doing more for us, let's stop what we are doing and take a moment to think about some of the possible reasons. Our requests may not be what is best for us, we may not be living in accordance with what we know to be true, noble or just, our requests may not be specific enough to see answers to, or we may not be doing what God has given us the ability to accomplish for ourselves. My challenge to you and to myself is, like Jabez, we will prevail in prayer with God, not just once in a while, but every day. Will you join me in my quest for a more fruitful prayer life?