Have You Asked God for It?
As simple as it may seem, one critical key to unlocking the favor of God is to just ask for it. Asking for what we need or want from God is a foundational principle of our relationship with Him as king and ruler over all. He has made Himself available to hear our request. Matthew 7:7–11 (KJV) makes that clear:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
God’s covenant leaders understood this aspect of mankind’s relationship to God, and they took advantage of it when they came into His presence. So can you.
The story of Jabez is only two verses (1 Chron. 4:9–10), but it is a powerful reminder of the effectiveness of fervent prayer. The Bible says that Jabez was an honorable man, more honorable than his brothers. Being honorable and having a pure heart before God always play a part in how God answers our prayers. It’s not about being perfect, but it is about being holy.
The story of Jabez goes on to reveal that he called on the God of Israel, asking for a blessing, and God granted him what he requested. God answered Jabez. Jabez didn’t go into some long exercise of prayer, reciting the Torah and using big words. He simply went before God and said, “‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested” (v. 10, NKJV). He asked and God gave it to him. Simple.
This teaches us that we can ask God to bless us and that He will grant us what we ask for.
Jabez asked for God to bless Him, and He did. God is the source of blessing, and it is the nature of God to be good to His creation. The psalmist says, “The LORD is good, His mercy is everlasting” (Ps. 100:5, NKJV). A revelation of the goodness of God will cause faith for His blessings.
We have not because we ask not, so ask the Lord for favor (James 4:2). Ask for favor on the job. Ask for favor in your ministry. Ask God for favor over your business and your family relationships. God delights in giving favor. Ask for God’s favor in any area of lack in your life.
Lord, bless me and keep me. Make Your face to shine upon me, and be gracious unto me. Lord, lift up Your countenance upon me and give me peace (Num. 6:24–26).
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