Words can determine your destiny

In 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10, I read about a man named Jabez. Weighed down by the sorrows of his past and the uncertainties of the present, Jabez could have only seen impossibilities before him. His future didn’t look bright. Yet, Jabez was not satisfied with the status quo or living a mediocre existence. Jabez wanted the fullness of God’s blessings to enrich every area of his life. So, Jabez looked to God and earnestly prayed, asking for God’s best:

“...Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!”

Regardless of what transpired previously, Jabez was confident enough to ask God to, “Bless him and to enlarge his territory.” He wanted, “God’s hand to be with him,” and for “God to keep him from evil.”

God heard Jabez’s prayer and answered him by giving Jabez all the things for which he prayed. Jabez broke free of the chains of the past, and he stepped forward into a new life. For the Scripture tells us, “God granted him that which he requested.”

You may have had your share of obstacles and disappointments that have pushed you to the breaking point. Perhaps, you think, ‘it’s too late, circumstances will never change,’ or ‘things won’t get better.’ Otherwise, because of an unfair situation, you’ve started to talk yourself out of following your God-inspired dreams, settling for far less than you deserve.

However, like Jabez, have you ever asked God to do something amazing in your future? And if you knew that He would grant your request, what would you ask? Words can determine your destiny.

I heard it said, “When you work, you work… but when you pray, God works.” Similar to tuning a radio dial to a powerful broadcasting station, prayer is your open line to God. So, seek God’s blessings on your life. God is continuously with you, and your connection to Him is always available. A while ago, my daughter asked me to help her with her English homework. Being a writer, my daughter knew I was best equipped to answer her questions. When you need help, you always go to the person who you’re sure is capable of helping, right? Now, if God could create the heavens and the earth, He can surely respond to your bold requests. God is not limited as to what He can do. He is all powerful and can do all things. Hence, keep praying, believing, and striving; pursuing God’s direction, wisdom and will.

Right now, God is at work. Miracles are being set into motion, and the best possible outworking is going to emerge in your situation. For God is saying to you today, “Keep calm; it’s in My Hands.” For, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15).

I’m reminded of a correspondence I received from a reader who wrote, “I sat alone in my small, rented apartment. I had just lost my job, I lost my parents a few years before, and with no money, no prospects, and no one to rely on, and some limitations, outwardly it looked as though I had no hope.”

When challenges come upon us, it can be easy to let them overwhelm us. And then, fearful, frustrated or bitter, we can give up on what we are hoping will come to pass in our futures. “Then, I casually picked up the newspaper,” the reader’s letter continued, “I turned the page, and read your column. It seemed to speak directly to me. Your words told me that God cared about me, He had plans for me, and I needed to have faith in Him.”

Thereafter, the woman explained that she put down the newspaper and she prayed, putting her life into God’s hands. God seemed to speak to her spirit and say, ‘be patient and trust in me.’

From then on, the woman described that she was persistent in her prayers. She became stronger and realized that God was there for her. She didn’t have to be afraid. God heard her cry for help, and He hadn’t forgotten her. The setbacks of the past didn’t have to stop her future.

She concluded her letter by writing, “My career aspirations are now looking up. Surprisingly, God launched me into a whole new field. Out of the blue, I met someone special, and I know it’s just a matter of time before my prayers are all answered.” Now, she is looking forward to a new chapter in her life with excited anticipation.

Blessings are headed your way. And comparable to this reader, they may arrive in the most unexpected manner, and they will be better than you can imagine. Therefore, do not allow your faith to be shaken. Never lose heart or give in to bitter trials. Dare to ask for your heart’s desires. Pray for your family, your friends; and through prayer, intervene for those in need. Say prayers of thankfulness. Express gratitude to God for what is good and right in your life, for a grateful heart can alter everything.

I heard about an admired businesswoman who starts her morning by declaring, “Good morning, God. What great experiences do you have in store for me today?”

Then, the woman goes forth expecting the best. And, remarkably, great things happen to her.

So pray, and go about your day expecting God’s best. You are standing on the threshold of an opening of a new door. God is planning great things for your future. There are new dreams, new joys and new opportunities ahead. You’re going to be amazed at what unfolds.

Keep calm; it’s in God’s Hands. And you will be blessed indeed.