Lord, Enlarge My Territory

"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."
~1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV

We've all prayed that the Lord would enlarge our territory; however, there are a few questions that must be answered before He does.

Why do we want God to enlarge our territory? Is it so great men and women will know our name or are we earnestly endeavoring to advance the Kingdom?

Have we been faithful over that which God has already entrusted to us? If you are an associate minister or lay leader, are you faithful to the pastor's vision or are you branching out to run your own agenda? Beware that God will not bless you with more until you have proven faithful to what is now assigned to your hand.

If your motives for expansion are pleasing to God, what vision has He given to you? God does not do 'shotgun evangelism'. Shotgun evangelism is when you shoot spiritual buckshot and pray that you hit something -- anything. When God gives vision, He is specific. You have specific ministry gifts that are to be presented to a particular people or group. Some are called to minister to ministers. Others are called to minister to women or young people. Some are called to minister to administrative issues. Still others are called to minister to discipleship issues. What ministry niche has God called and equipped you to serve?

When you've identified your motives and mission, you must identify your ministry methods. How are you to deliver the ministry to the people, especially if your people are beyond your local church network? When God gives vision, He gives strategy and provision. Are you feeling God’s nudge to write a book? Maybe God is telling you to create a seminar, workshop or conference. To some, God is saying it’s time to put your ministry on the air via radio and television. Someone is hearing ‘satellite’ as a means of spreading the Word. Whatever strategy has been given to you, pursue it! Count the cost, but don’t be afraid of it. Remember, if God has given vision and strategy for a work, He will also direct you to provision.

In the Bible, numbers have significance. Seven signifies completion. 7+1 = new beginnings; therefore, 2008 is a ‘Year of New Beginnings’. As we approach the last months of this year, seek God as you take your next steps, trust God, and launch out into the deep.