I-Need-This-Now~

TGIAF--Thank God it's Almost Friday:)

I love it when a DEVO hits a nerve, and yesterday's was a doozy. Many of you were happy to see that not only is it okay to pray for yourself, but that God actually welcomes it and shows His approval by "granting the requests."

In honor of this awesome revelation let's examine the Jabez prayer.

1 Chronicles 4:10

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.

Jabez cried...

When the kids were in elementary school I made friends with another mom who was a nurse. One day she climbed onto a stool and started cleaning the ceiling fan blades. She lost her balance and fell backward and landed so awkwardly that she fractured both elbows. Yes, at the same time.

Picture this poor gal without the use of her arms for eight weeks. Picture both arms in casts up to the shoulders with a stick at the hip to keep them at an angle. Picture her needing help for EVERYTHING.

And when I think of her I think of Jabez, because on the day she fell no one was home and she cried out--loudly--for over an hour until a neighbor arrived.

Jabez's prayer was not some softly spoken, whispered, half-hearted request. It was an urgent, I-need-this-now petition. Time was of the essence!!!

God answers these kind of prayers. What do feel you feel the need to cry out for today?

And please note that Jabez cried out for more than one thing. Think of it as invitation to bring all your concerns before the Lord.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that You know we sometimes need to cry out for help, and thank You that You answer. Today I cry out for __________! In Jesus' name, AMEN~