1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV) And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “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.

God hears, whenever, we call on Him. His ears are attentive to our cry. He is always ready to answer our prayers. But, He is the Lord that does as He pleases. For God looks inwardly not outward. He sees man’s hearts, their motives and intents. And rewards accordingly.

Proverbs 21:2 (NKJV) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the Lord weighs the hearts.

What motives do you have for that request? Are you asking to satisfy your selfish desires? Or is it for it to be used to glorify God and blessed others? God weighs our hearts, and He is interested in the good of other people in our lives. Our request for something in our lives must tune towards helping others. A well-known saying from my childhood, taught by my Sunday school teacher, says, “Jesus first, yourself last and others in-between.” Thinking of others, when we made our request known unto God, could be one of ways of getting a quick response from God.

Jabez called on God that He should bless and enlarge his coast. And God heard and answered his prayers. We have that same God, who answers prayers, He is the same God of yesterday, today and forever. He is still in the business of listening and attending to our pleads. But, it is left for us to guide our hearts, when we appear before Him in prayers. The Bible in James 1:5 says, ask.

James 1:5 (KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Then it is in our place to ask with good intentions. God gives freely. He is not like men, who based it on the condition or favoritism. Let go of bitterness, hatred, and anger towards another. You have prayed and waited too long, yet no response. Examine your heart. Ask yourself, have I wrong any man? If we all choked up with grudges, malice, and envy. Where is the space in our heart for the Holy Spirit to dwell? The more hardened and unforgiving we are. The more hurting and angry one becomes. The harm is more to oneself than to others, termed enemy.

God cannot come into a place so filled with hatred and bitterness. He is right there waiting and knocking for you to open your heart for Him to come in. You got to let it go. Because you know, how important God’s blessing it is to you. And must do what it takes, according to His word to maintain it.

John 14:14 (KJV) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

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