October 21

And God granted him that which he requested. - 1 Chronicles 4:10.

WITH regard to the prayer of Jabez, we observe, the Lord not only answered his supplication, but he answered it in the very thing he asked. This is not always the case.

God sometimes answers prayer in the way of equivalent. When our Saviour said to Peter, “There is no man that hath left house, or parent, or brother, or child, or wife, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present life,” he did not mean manifold more houses, parents, brethren, or children; no, but more in value, more in quality, “and, in the world to come, life everlasting.” Sometimes God answers prayer by way of exchange, as we see in the case of Paul: when he sought that the “thorn in his flesh” might be removed, his prayer was answered; but how? The Lord said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Sometimes he indulges his people in the very thing they implore.

This was the case with Hannah, when she came to the temple and addressed Eli:-“For this child have I prayed to the Lord.” So it was here with Jabez: “God granted him that which he desired,”-that is, in the enlargement of his coast, assistance in the performance of every duty, and preservation from evil, that it might not grieve him. The blessings which come in answer to prayer always wear the best, and always relish the sweetest. This may be considered the testimony of Jabez himself with regard to the blessings he had received in answer to prayer. Jabez not only prayed, but observed whether his prayers were answered; and when he had observed the answer he made it known, in order to excite others, and to glorify God.

So did David: “I love the Lord,” said he, “because he hath heard my voice and my supplication, because he hath inclined his ear unto me; therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” But this may also be considered as the testimony of God himself concerning Jabez. It is not always easy for us to determine when our prayers are answered, and sometimes it is nearly impossible. But God always knows.

He can answer prayer without having gone out of the common course of nature and providence. He can answer prayer without miracle and without wonder. He can see the prayer answered, though the poor petitioner has said, “Thou hast shut out my prayer.” He can see prayer answered, when it is accomplished through “terrible things in righteousness.” Let this, therefore, prove an incentive to prayer, and to watching thereunto for answers to our prayers. God has expressly declared that “For all these things I will be inquired of to do it for you.” And prayer is as sure as it is necessary.

Have we not boldness and access with confidence by the faith of our Mediator? Is not God’s very name a God hearing prayer? Did he ever say to the seed of Jacob, “Seek ye me in vain”? Has he not promised to pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication? and he prescribes the very petitions we are to present when we go to him:-“Take with you words and turn to the Lord; say unto him, Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, so will we render the calves of our lips.”

If we read through the Bible, we shall find that from the beginning to the end it is a history of the value and success of prayer; and then we have the command and promise of the Saviour, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for he that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”