Sermon Central
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Dark Past Bright Future
Contributed by Martin Holland on Jan 17, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: With life there comes many challenges and for some there are more challenges than others. Perhaps someone was unwanted at birth, a problems child or born into a family of abuse. There is a opportunity for that person to have a bright future.
Dark Past Bright Future
Last week in studying the life of Moses we saw how his parents played an important role in his life. Moses was put in an idea environment with all the potentials to produce greatness.
Perhaps you did not have parents like Moses or even more so raised in an environment that did not cultivate the behavior of greatness or success.
The story of this man’s life tells us that our past does not have to be the product of our future!
Robert E. Lee The great army general was an unwanted baby with a father he never knew and was born into a world of which he may have brought pain.
Vs.9 Jabez we are told was born unto his mother in sorrow.
Speculations:
• Maybe she just had a painful delivery
• Or perhaps he was born after the death of his father
• Or he was an unwanted child
• Or he was such a problems child that caused her sorrow
Point: We do not know exactly why the sorrow (pain), but we know that the circumstances surrounding his birth presents a dark past.
He was not willing to allow his past dictate his future!
Vs.10a He called on the God of Israel…
He prayed this prayer and it revolutionized his life!
1. He asked for the Blessing of God
Here is not a request of selfishness, but one’s desperation. I believe Jabez is saying to God I can not keep living like this. I need your blessing on my life.
Mention: Genesis 32:26 I will not let thee go except thou bless me
What does it mean to have the blessings of God upon you? It is when God uses you to be a blessing to those around you.
2. God enlarge my Coast
Coast= Territory, border or limit
Jabez wanted to be more and do more for God!
Perhaps: He is saying I want this negative turned into something positive!
Mention: 2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.
Saying: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the willingness to allow God to do the extra.
• I want to touch more people lives with the Gospel
• I want people to see Christ lived out through me
• I want to do more for the cause of Christ
These are all ways of saying to God enlarge my coast!
3. God may your hand be upon me
Mention: Acts 5:38-39 If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye can not overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Mention: James 4:15 If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that
Also: John 15:5 without Me ye can do nothing
4. God keep me from evil
“That it may not grieve me”
I believe Jabez is saying I do not want to cause anymore pain so LORD keep me from doing so!
Romans 12:9 Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good
1 Thessa. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good
“And God granted him that which he requested”
Vs.9 Jabez was more honorable than his brethren
He prayed for: God’s Grace, Growth, Guidance, and Godliness
"And God granted him that which he requested"
