Francis Schaeffer's son-in-law Os Guinness wrote a book called In Two Minds: The Dilemma of Doubt. One of the central themes of the book was that we start to doubt God, when we stop acknowledging Him and stop thanking Him for what He's done.
If I understand it right, you are facing a loss of work and income. After awhile, the temptation will be to say "God, why didn't You given me another job?" So every day, thank God for putting food on your table, whatever that food might be. Thank God for the food in your pantry for the next day. Thank God for the skills He gave you, which could be used to provide for your family tomorrow. Thank God for all of the things that you still own, that you could sell tomorrow if needed, to feed your family.
We often however, and me personally, have made the grievous mistake in the past of believing God has it in for us.
As have I, many many times. Things can always get worse, even to the point of death, meaning if God hasn't killed you yet then He still has plans for you. Those plans might be to live in poverty for awhile, but that's better than being dead (and on the other hand, Paul tells us that "to live is Christ, but to die is gain")! When I go through hardships like this, I keep these four verses in front of me at all times to remind me that if I'm not dead, there's still hope that things can change:
"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"
-- Genesis 18:26"Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face."
-- Job 13:15And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
-- Romans 8:28...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...
-- Ephesians 5:20
Alex - thank you for your ministration.
Doubt is definitely a hindrance not only to our spiritual progress, but also to our earthly or physical endeavors.
I also have stood in awe of Job’s timeless oowords, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him...” Job 13:15. I soon realize how dwarfed my faith is at times in the face of giants, but I am comforted to know that the One who began the good work in me, will also finish it and that are all work in progress. We will always have room to grow.
I am amazed by how much we receive, when we are willing to share.
God is good, all the time. :)))
Is The God's response to Jabez one which binds Him to perform likewise in each and every instance submitted, as an entitlement?
How does that compare with Holy Spirit/Pauline doctrine?
"Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry; both to abound and to suffer need" (Philippians 4:11,12).
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (1 Timothy 6:8-11).
"Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
"In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Do not these New Covenant teachings override any self-serving appeals heard by Jehovah-Jireh, concerning temporal progress in the preceding Mosaic/Davidic Covenant? of which Jabez was a participant? What saith Jesus himself regarding our plight?
"... your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought fpr the morrow; ..." (Matthew 6:32b, 33, 34a).
Worthy of very careful meditation as to what one is asking for, and why --