Sermon
title: One Day, That Day, ToDAY
Scripture text: 1
Chron. 4:10
PAIN
– whether physical, emotional, mental or in any other form
– is something we would rather not have to go through. So
imagine what it would be like living a life of pain or bearing a
name that constantly reminds you of pain. Well, Jabez was one such
person who not only lived a life of pain but bore a name that constantly
reminded him of his terrible past.
Just
like Jabez, most of us have gone through or are even going through
some PAIN of sort. Should we allow this baggage of pain or hurt
to cripple or bear us down? Should we be like the mimosa that constantly
shuts itself the moment it senses pain? Or should we be like Jabez
who learnt not to allow the PAIN to affect his DAYs
ahead? And live life to the fullest?
So
how did Jabez learn to cope with pain?
(1)
Divine Destiny:
Jabez
did not allow his circumstances to bear him down as he believed
in God and that God had a divine destiny for him. So sure was he
of his God, he knew that he would be a gain and not a pain –
he believed that he had a special place in God’s plan. He
was able to ride above the negative and unfavourable circumstances
he was put in and trusted that God was going to deliver him, just
as He had delivered the Israelites.
(2)
Ask the Right Way:
As
Jabez knew his God and had a right relationship with Him, he was
able to produce the right thinking, the right behaviour and the
right living. He knew the right way to ask and God indeed blessed
him and enlarged his territory. By this God increased his understanding
of who He is and a deeper relationship continued.
(3)
Yield to God:
Jabez
knew how to completely yield or surrender his life to God. He prayed,
‘Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm…’
This prayer revealed how much Jabez submitted to His way, believing
and trusting totally in God’s promises. He knew that what
God has promised, He will deliver and God does not lie or go against
His Word.
We
too should live our DAYs
ahead, completely obeying His commands and trusting Him.
Prayer
Response:
Dear
Father,
Help
me realise that You sometimes put me through the school of PAIN,
so that I can be a Gain, like Jabez. Thank you for making me realise
that You allow me to go through difficulties to make me a better
person and not a bitter
one. I know that I can endure life’s wrongs because I know
that You God will make all things right. Amen.
~
Devotional write-up based on Ps. Leslie Lim’s sermon