Wow! That’s about all I can really say. That God would take me at my word and answer my heart’s desires.

A number of years ago, The Prayer of Jabez, found its way to the best sellers list, brought to modern attention by Bruce Wilkerson. It goes as follows: Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from the evil one.” And God granted his request.

Wilkerson challenged fellow believers to make this a daily plan for the next thirty days and see what happens. He said this: By the end of that time, you’ll be noticing significant changes in your life, and the prayer will be on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit.

Of course, Wilkerson had his detractors and naysayers. But you know what? It works, regardless of those who criticize because it opens us up to God’s possibilities before us. It has worked for me.

We are not designed to be barnyard hens, pecking grain from the ground but golden eagles, soaring on the heights above. People with great vision because of our vantage point.

The writer of Isaiah says this: “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” – Isaiah 54:2.

Coming into 2017 I had no awareness that my curtains would be stretched and the cords lengthened. But then it was as if the Divine reached out and said, “If you really meant this, then I will take you at your word and answer this prayer.”  New works and new opportunities continue to unfold before me and the people I serve.

Who would think that a shy, somewhat backward kid, a high school drop out, from a blue collar family could make a difference. I lived in my Walter Mitty fantasies but never really believing that my life would amount to much. Some of you have been there or are there now. We’ve had those moments when we have been tempted to quit or just give in but quit to what? Mediocrity when you are called up higher?

What would happen if you were to take up Wilkerson’s challenge and pray the Jabez Prayer for the next thirty or even sixty days? What new challenges and opportunities for service would you find? Ignore the naysayers and toxic people who want to settle for the barnyard. You, my friends, are destined to “soar on wings like eagles”.

• bless me indeed
• enlarge my territory
• let your hand be with me
• keep me from the evil one.

Lift up your eyes for the heights are calling you! May God grant your request.

Blessings!