Misapplying the Prayer of Jabez Can Betray People
Why Do You Perceive God is Enlarging Your Territory?
Misapplying the Prayer of Jabez Can Betray People
Jabez's best-known prayer is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10. It includes four requests: a blessing, the enlargement of his territory, the presence of God's hand, and protection from evil.
Let’s address the enlarging of his territory or sphere of influence and the transition leaders make to new roles.
This prayer of Jabez is often associated with the quest for a new ministry position by Christian servants. Transitioning to a larger church. Embracing a regional or national denominational or parachurch role.
The prayer's requests for enlarged territory are pertinent to pursuing a new ministry position. A new position, which increases influence, is akin to enlarging a person’s territory.
Even more important is aligning our desires with God's will. Unfortunately, the lure of enlarging a ministry leader’s influence often overshadows God's will.
Enlarging a person’s territory has misled many individuals in Christian ministry to relocate to a place of service God may not have intended for them.
At times, the results are disappointing, even disastrous.
I See It Often!
The people I encounter who fall victim to this misapplication are called Legion, as there are many.
It works like this.
When a person in ministry experiences success or frustration in their role, they tend to believe one of two things.
First, because of their success, they want to demonstrate to everyone how to achieve excellence. They ask God to enlarge their territory, which signifies giving them a larger role and greater recognition. Let them become heroes for many more individuals struggling to find success in ministry.
Or, second, out of their frustration at being stuck in a place of unfulfilling ministry, they ask God to help them find a better place. Enlarge their territory.
These can involve relocating to another church or ministry assignment. The most dramatic examples I observe occur when they transition to a denominational position.
They accept a role not because they are spiritually called to denominational service but because they see this as an opportunity to enlarge their territory and sphere of influence.
The Terrain Gets Rugged Too Soon
If a person is not spiritually called to denominational service—which is essential for such service—within 12 to 18 months they discover the terrain is too rugged in the enlarged territory.
First, denominational service involves working within an organization rather than in the grassroots culture of a church or other local ministry. The larger and older the organization is, the more likely it becomes institutionalized. Laden with numerous rules, meetings, deadlines, and restrictive employment policies.
The ability to affect change is at times minimal.
Second, they encounter congregations of various types, sizes, and locations. Since 80 percent of all congregations are plateaued or declining, they recognize how poorly many churches engage in Christian ministry.
A typical statement from these people is, “I never realized how terrible churches are in terms of ministry effectiveness. I have seen so many bad examples. I have learned so much. If I return to the local church, I could really soar in ministry effectiveness.”
These people often seek my advice and counsel because of my long-term commitment to denominational service. My response to them during this rugged terrain time of 12 to 18 months into their denominational tenure is this:
“I advise you to hang around until your third anniversary in your denominational role. Now that you are experiencing this rugged terrain, it is time to ask God once more why He called you into this place of service. If you have not received a clear word and reassurance from God by your third anniversary, then please leave. Go back into local church ministry and soar with faith.
However, if you discover why God led you into your current role, stay here and make all dimensions of God’s Church effective in fulfilling the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. We need more people like you in these roles.”
Good points, George. The Prayer of Jabez, on its own, isn’t an adequate foundation for ministry.
Well said, George. Moving into denominational work from pastoral ministry is not the same territory, only enlarged. It's a brand-new territory with different expectations, challenges, temptations, and opportunities. We could better prepare leaders for a role that is not the Church but serves the Church.