INTRODUCTION:

Life is full of challenges. We must handle the challenges as well as we can by the grace of God Almighty.

IMAGE SOURCE

KEY VERSE:

"Being confident ... That He who has begun a good work in you will complete it ..."(Phil. 1:6, NKJV).

TODAY'S TEXT:

1 Chronicles 4:9, 10

MESSAGE:

Life is full of challenges. Do not pray for an easy life; instead, pray for the strength to endure tough times that leads to greatness. No man is born great. True greatness grows out of character and ability to hold on to God in the midst of trials and life's difficulties. Job, Abraham, Joseph came to the frontline in the midst of life's difficulties.

The story of Jabez is found in First Chronicles 4:9, 10.

His life illustrates the power of prayer and determination for change. The background or situation surrounding our birth does not determine our destiny. Who you are and what you are does not count most of the time but what you allow God to do in you or through you that matters. God can do whatever He must do to make each of us champions.

There are two types of persons on earth those who are willing to pay any price to succeed in life and those who are lazy and unwilling to pay any price to succeed in life. Jabez fell into the group of those willing to pay any price to succeed.

He believed that every person on earth is created for a purpose and has what it takes to be a champion. Like Paul, he believed that he "can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"(Phil. 4:12).

Nothing great in life is achieved easily.

Success will never look for you, you mustgo for it. Someone said, "The measure of life...is not its duration but its donation" or contribution to his generation or the next.

Jabez took some salient steps in handling life's difficulties the right way. These steps are outlined in verse 10. Jabez called on the God of Israel. He knew where solutions to life's difficulties are found. His prayer points were very simple: "Oh, that You would bless me indeed."He asked for enlargement of territory or coast. He prayed for God's protection, "that Your hand would be with me." He prayed that God's hand would"keep m efrom evil."He prayed that he "may not cause pain!"

God granted Jabez what he requested. God answers prayers. This brief biographyof 63 words (NIV) has challenged and changed many lives. It is your turn to share your testimonies.

CONTROLLING THOUGHTS

God can do whatever He must do to make each of us champions.

PRAYER:

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed." Amen

FOR SUPPORT READ ALSO THE FOLLOWING: 2 CHRONICLES 32-33; JOHN 18:24-40