Jabez Reflecton + Poem

Looking back, during the Jabez Challenge my mindset shifted and was purified. Initially I was expecting to get something out of it, but instead as I dedicated myself to being consistent in the fasting and prayer aspect (1Corinthians 4:10) I ended up relinquishing some things that were within me.

Unearthing layers that I was used to walking over, giving them to the Light of God so that they could grow and reign in my life. Things such as self-control, peace, joy, patience…fruit of the Spirit that were deprived and stagnant in their growth started to bloom.

As I transitioned from “struggling” against this flesh to full on fighting against it, it wasn’t self-confidence that was built, but God-confidence. This challenge helped prepare me, steady me, and grow in my faith as well as my peace in not knowing what comes next. I’m confident that my future is in God’s hands.

I pray you enjoy this poem I wrote while reflecting on the Jabez Challenge my church initiated; 40 days of fasting our breakfast, and an evening of reflection and journaling completed 9/20/24:

 I have faith not in my own capabilities, but in the God who created me

He who declares a thing and it comes into being

Me? I’m simply an earthen vessel in need of His cleansing

He pored that detox into me as I prayed and declared fervently

“Oh that You would bless me, and enlarge my territory,

Let Your Hand be with me, keeping me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”

Throughout the days I learned how to weaponize my praise

Discernment sharpened, my rebukes like a whip’s crack, fast with a powerful sting

He gave me a peace and a joy I never thought I could attain

Showed me how to not be stingy with the rain, but to pull my siblings into its refreshing embrace

Every fruit He bears in me is a weapon against the snakes

They no longer dwell in this garden, this temple where Holy Spirit reigns

I give Him thanks

My every breath a testament to His rank

King of kings, Lord of lords, eternal

He’s Yahweh

Yeshua, Elohim, Adonai, Abba Supreme

He can do for you all that He’s done for me

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With this we’re back to our weekly scheduled posting, so stay blessed, stay tuned, and until next time

–JB