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But why? Why dream only average? Is that hat a statement of the passionless existence many find themselves in today?

I went to grab me an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts one early morning a few days ago and the voice coming out of the speaker at the drive through sounded monotone and extremely disinterested in my order. Then when I drove to the window, the girl handing me the coffee was so unpleasant I almost asked her if her middle name was ‘Joy’.

I know life can be really tough sometimes but dreaming of a great future destiny keeps hope alive. It reminds us that there’s still a chance for great things to happen in our lives.

I’ve heard people say that they don’t want to dream big for fear of getting disappointed later if their dreams don’t come pass.

Deaf and blind Helen Keller once said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but not vision.” We ought never let our fears keep us from the great future God has planned for us.

Someone ought to restitch that hat in the picture so that it reads, ‘Dream BIG’ or ‘Dream HUGE’ or ‘Dream Beyond Your Means’.

There’s a guy in the Bible that did just that. You may have heard of him, his name was Jabez. There are only 2 verses in the Bible that describe him and what happened to him. Check it out,

“There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” 1Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

Imagine having a name that means ‘pain’ or ‘suffering’. Other kids would see Jabez coming out to play and say, “Oh, here comes that pain.” Jabez felt like he was a constant reminder of bad, negative, unhappy times.

Maybe you can identify with Jabez. Maybe you feel like you’re in that same rut but, Jabez teaches us there’s a way out!

This brother refused to let his name or circumstances hold him back to the point that Jabez became more honorable, distinguished, and illustrious than anyone else in his family. What Jabez did is something you and I can do… this is good stuff!!

The first thing we need to do is to talk to God in heaven.

The effectiveness of prayer is not in saying the right words but in addressing the right God!  The Lord, the God of heaven and earth is All Powerful and All Knowing! He uses people and places and resources to favor His children. Go to Him with your request.

Next, when you talk to God in heaven, have the courage to make BIG requests.

Dorothy Bernard once said, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”

Jabez prayed that God would bless him. The word ‘bless’ in the Hebrew means abundance. He also asked for the Lord to enlarge his territory. This literally has to do with multiplication. “Oh, God, multiply what I have many times over” was sort of the prayer of Jabez.

When you pray for your life, spouse, children, career, future, relationships, throw the addition table out the window. God knows no limits!!!

Don’t ask for a little trickle from God but request a huge heavenly outpouring to come your  way.

Also, pray for God to make His presence known (v. 10, “be with me”) whatever you do and wherever you go.

Finally, pinpoint your struggle before God. He already knows where you’re at and what you’re dealing with but make your prayer specific. Jabez went to the root of his problem: trouble and pain, and God answered him.

God can make things happen for us today as well. When we limit ourselves to what we can do the results will be minimal. But, when we rest and rely on what God can do, the results can be far reaching.

One more thing, when the Lord begins to open doors of opportunity in direct answer to your prayers, do what you need to do, put some feet to your prayers, work hard, and get ready to enjoy His blessings.

Thanks for reading! Please leave me a comment.