Enlarging my territory: Embracing the prayer of Jabez in faith & Entreprenuership
Our motivations for becoming entrepreneurs vary, shaped by unique experiences, dreams, and challenges. For me, there were several reasons that led me down this path, but the one that sticks out in my mind first is rebellion. Rebelling against what, you ask? My pain, grief, and insecurity.
Pain and grief can be powerful motivators. In my case, my experiences with loss ignited a hope for something greater—more than just a life of living paycheck to paycheck. But pain and grief were just the catalyst. The real fire in my belly was the desire to use the gifts and talents God had given me, gifts I had seen influence lives and make other people lots of money. My longing was to take up that mantle and do it on a larger scale, to change lives and give hope.
My personal grief and loss, though serious and real, revealed my true desire. Ironically, this is something my old CEO used to claim for himself: to change lives and give hope. And he wasn’t wrong . Under his leadership, my prayers for purpose were ignited. I was fortunate to grow my talents at his company which gave helped me to become prosperous, hopeful, and look to my future. Despite its problems, that place showed me how effective the unwritten but practiced values of an organization can be in inspiring people to give their best and build together.
Values like:
Everything we have, we have by grace.
We are a family, and we support each other.
Break bread together and give thanks.
Do things decently and in order.
Tithe by giving back to God what He has given unto us.
These values shaped my understanding of what it means to lead and grow a business, not just for profit but for a higher purpose. They also prepared me to take on the challenge of entrepreneurship, guided by faith and a desire to serve God’s Kingdom.
The Jabez Prayer: A Model for Faith-Fueled Entrepreneurship
As I ventured into entrepreneurship, the prayer of Jabez became a source of inspiration and guidance. Found in 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez’s prayer is simple yet profound:
Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "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!" And God granted him that which he requested.
This prayer resonates deeply with me, as it encapsulates the heart of what I believe God calls us to as entrepreneurs. It’s a prayer for blessing, growth, guidance, and protection—all crucial elements in the entrepreneurial journey.
1. Taking Dominion: Expanding Our Influence for the Kingdom
When Jabez asked God to "enlarge my coast," he wasn’t just asking for more land; he was asking for greater influence and responsibility. As entrepreneurs, we, too, are called to expand our territories—not just for personal gain, but to advance the Kingdom of God.
This idea of taking dominion is rooted in Scripture. In Genesis 1:26, God gives humanity the mandate to have dominion over the earth:
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'"
For me, taking dominion means using my God-given talents to create opportunities, influence lives, and build something that reflects His glory. Every client I serve, every project I undertake, is a chance to extend God’s influence in the world.
Psalm 8 further reminds us of the responsibility that comes with this dominion:
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet."
This Scripture humbles me and keeps me focused on the bigger picture—my business isn’t just about me; it’s about fulfilling the purpose God has placed in my heart.
2. Working in Harmony: Sharing in God’s Blessings
Jabez’s prayer for God’s hand to be with him is a reminder that we cannot do this alone. True success in entrepreneurship comes from divine partnership, and this extends to how we work with others in our businesses.
Acts 4:32 speaks to the power of unity among believers:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve learned the importance of building a team and creating partnerships that reflect the spirit of unity and generosity. When we work in harmony with others—sharing resources, ideas, and support—we create a business culture that honors God. This shared stewardship leads to blessings that go beyond financial success; it fosters community, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Seeking God’s guidance and inviting His hand to be with me reminds me that my business is not just a personal venture but a collective effort that relies on His blessing. By working in harmony with my team and partners, I’m able to create something far greater than what I could achieve on my own.
3. Aligning with God’s Will: Ensuring Divine Direction
The final part of Jabez’s prayer is a plea for protection from evil and grief. It’s a recognition that without God’s guidance, even the most successful ventures can lead to spiritual harm. This is where the rubber meets the road in entrepreneurship—aligning our actions with God’s will is paramount.
Psalm 143:10 captures the essence of this dependence on divine direction:
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
In business, as in all areas of life, aligning my actions with God’s will is a daily choice. Romans 12:2 reminds us of the need for continual transformation and discernment:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
This alignment requires me to surrender my desires, plans, and control to the One who knows what is best for me and my business. As someone who likes to have everything under control, this is a challenging but necessary part of my entrepreneurial journey. It’s about trusting that God’s will, even when it differs from my plans, will lead to the most fulfilling and fruitful outcomes.
Conclusion: Surrendering Control to the Triune God
As entrepreneurs, we are naturally driven by a desire to create, lead, and innovate. But if I truly want to realize the full value and potential of my business endeavors, I must be willing to hand over everything the world tells me about success and leadership and relinquish control to the One who owns it all.
This means placing my authority and responsibility into the hands of the Triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For me, as a self-diagnosed control freak, this is the scariest but most fulfilling daily choice I must make in my entrepreneurial journey.
The Jabez Prayer serves as a reminder that true success, in business and in life, comes from a deep dependence on God’s blessing, guidance, and protection. As I seek to expand my territories, work in harmony with others, and align with His will, I am not just building a business—I am advancing the Kingdom of God and fulfilling the divine calling placed upon my life.
May we, like Jabez, boldly ask God to bless us indeed, to enlarge our coasts, to keep His hand upon us, and to protect us from all evil. And may we trust that, in His perfect will, God will grant our requests as we seek to honor Him in all we do.
