Daily Devotion: Seize Your Territory!

Scripture:
1 Chronicles 4: 9-10

Main Verse:
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.

Observation:
Jabez's second prayer request to the Lord was an enlarged territory. Jabez was not merely asking for more land, for more farming areas, or for more real estate. He wanted the Lord to enlarge whatever He has given to Him and to increase his influence so that he can have more opportunities to glorify the Lord through his territory. He did not ask for more but He asked the Lord to bless him more with whatever territory has been bestowed upon him.

Application:
When we ask the Lord for an "enlarged territory," we need to be specific. Do you want the Lord to give you more properties, an expanded business, a higher position of authority, or more ministry? Whatever it is, when we ask the Lord to increase our borders, it should always be because we want to glorify the Lord and be able to touch other people's lives. It is not wrong to ask the Lord for more. In fact, if our intentions and our heart's desire is to be able to serve the Lord through an expanded territory, then the Lord will definitely give it to us. So ask the Lord, and seize your territory!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the opportunities you have given me. Thank you that you want to use me to be able to touch lives. I pray, oh Lord, that you give me more favorable situations, occassions, and opportunities so that I may continue to serve others and glorify your name. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.