Golden Nuggets in Chronicles

In my travels, I run into very few Christians who possess a love for the Old
Testament. I can remember my OT professor saying that the OT was two thirds
of the Bible and without it, you cannot properly understand the NT. In
fact, most of the NT is derived from the OT.

This morning in my reading of the book of I Chronicles, I found among the
seemingly monotonous listings of genealogical records, a few hidden golden
nuggets. That is what I love about God's Word; for those who seek, there is
always hidden treasure, just around the corner.

One of the breaks in the genealogical record comes with the prayer of Jabez
in I Chronicles 4:6. There has been so much written about this prayer that I
hesitate to spend too much time here. But it is a very beautiful prayer.
First the text says that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. Then
there is the record of this amazing prayer that should be our prayer as
well:
* And his mother called him Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in
pain."
* Jabez called upon God saying, "Oh that you would bless me and
enlarge my border,
* and that Your hand might be with me
* and that you would keep me from harm (evil)
* so that it might not bring me pain!"

The next narrative insertion that spoke to my heart was found in chapter 5
verses 18-22. The Reubenites, were valiant men who carried shield and
sword, and drew the bow, expert in war. In one of their exploits, the
writer informs us that their enemies were given into their hand, for they
cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because
they trusted in him...For many fell, because the war was of God."

Isn't it interesting that these expert warriors won the battle, not by their
skill, but by their prayers. Recognizing that God is in complete control of
the wars of our life, will determine whether we live under the stress and
fatigue of constant conflict or rest in the peace that passes all
understanding. Therefore,
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts
and minds though Christ Jesus." Phil 4: 6, 7