2018 Summer Series: I Love to Tell the Story

Part 7: Prayer of Jabez, Part 3: May Your Hand Be On Me

When we think of someone placing their hands on another individual, many different images or scenarios come to mind. Some of those mental pictures may be negative, such as the violent ones we see in the media. However, there are many positive options for using our hands. For example, a couple expresses their love by holding hands. An adult may hold the hand of a small child to ensure their safety. A massage is a means for giving or receiving the gift of relaxation. And can anything beat the wonderful joy of holding a newborn baby or cradling and stroking a kitten? In addition we can use our hands (& arms) to hug and comfort those who are hurting.

So then we can understand that our hands can be used in good, positive ways to offer comfort, healing, and hope. But what does the concept of God’s hand on us mean? In Biblical times the expression of, “The hand of the Lord is upon...”, was frequently used to denote God’s power and presence. Because Jesus said that when we have seen Him we have seen His Father who sent Him (John 14: 7-11), we look to Christ’s mission (Isaiah 61: 1; Luke 4: 18), as well as to the examples of how Jesus used His hands to heal (Matthew 9:35), to encourage (John 16:33), to comfort others (Luke 18: 15-17), and to demonstrate God’s power and presence to meet His people’s needs (Mark 4: 35-40; Matthew 14: 13-21). The ultimate use of His hands, though, was when Jesus spread His hands and arms wide on the Cross of Calvary to encompass us with His love as He lay down His life for our salvation: the supreme gift (Isaiah 53: 4-5; John 19: 17-24). 

In Bruce Wilkinson’s book, “The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life,” he emphasizes that after we pray for God to bless us a lot, and then ask Him to expand our ministry for His glory, then we need to ask for His hand to be on us. Why? Because, “By His touch you can experience supernatural enthusiasm, boldness, and power that lifts you up….Ask every day for the Father’s touch,” (p.61).

And so, as I continue to share my current battle with cancer, I’m praying, “Lord, bless me, indeed! Enlarge my ministry, and may Your hand be on me—always for Your glory!” Just after Easter ‘18, I had tongue cancer surgery. At that time there was no indication of cancer in my neck. However, at my 3-month post-surgery appointment the CT scans (neck and chest) showed that there is cancer in at least 2 lymph nodes in my neck and a node on my vocal cords. A PET scan (body scan) has confirmed that there is no additional metastasis. Hallelujah! This means that a 2nd surgery is scheduled for August 13th. Following some healing time, a major oral surgery will also be required prior to having seven weeks of daily radiation treatments every Monday to Friday. 

Have you been asking for God’s hand to be on you—for His presence and empowerment for you and your ministry? The Scriptures tell us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So His healing and power are available to us, but we need to ask (James 4:2-3; 1 John 5:14-15)--and I’m asking, too: “Bless me indeed, enlarge my ministry, and may Your hand be on me.” You may not have been praying these exact words, but I’ve seen the proof that you are asking in the many encouraging words that you have posted in response to my pleas for prayers on my unexpected journey. Thank you for your ongoing support & encouragement. 

There are lots of challenges ahead. However, my faith is strong, and my God is stronger! 

Blessings & Peace

Elizabeth Hogan Hayduk
Former Salvation Army Officer (pastor), Canada

2018 Summer Series: I Love to Tell the Story

Part 6: Prayer of Jabez, Part 2: Enlarge My Borders
In chapter 3 of “The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life,”
(Bruce H. Wilkinson, 2000), the author addresses the second part of Jabez’s prayer “Oh, that You would enlarge my territory!”(1 Chronicles 4:10). In addition to his share of property in the Promised Land, Jabez wanted, “...more influence, more responsibility, and more opportunity to make a mark for the God of Israel,” (p.30). Jabez didn’t have a promising start, but he wanted more—more than seemed to be predetermined for his life. Have you ever felt like this? Perhaps you’ve echoed, “There must be more to life!” Maybe you’ve expressed the sentiment or experienced the yearning, but haven’t known what to do about it? I know I have. It creates restlessness and creates a quest to seek, “What’s next?”

Dear God, enlarge my borders, expand my territory, increase my influence for You! One of Wilkinson’s observations is that most Christians believe that they are already too busy and less likely to ask God for more ministry opportunities. But when we ask God to expand the realm of our influence for Him, amazing things happen! You will begin having all sorts of unexpected encounters with people and groups.

Since I began praying, “enlarge my territory” some surprising things have happened. Prior to my tongue cancer surgery in April, many individuals were—still are—praying for me. I was praying, “Lord, bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory!” My elderly neighbour advised me to ask my surgeon if we could before going into the operating room. I replied that I don’t think that he’s a Christian. She nodded and gave me a few suggestions. So on the morning of the surgery, I was so calm that everyone around me was surprised. When the surgeon came to see me before the operation, we discussed a few questions. My final question to him was, “Could we pray before we all go in there?” He stammered, and I offered that I could do the praying. He seemed very relieved and agreed. I thanked God for giving me an excellent, experienced, and skilled surgeon. I also thanked God for being the Great Physician and asked him to direct the surgical team. Just a few lines, but when I concluded with ‘amen’ the surgeon also said ‘amen.’ I also thanked God for answering my prayer, “Enlarge my borders.”

However, while I was recovering at home I felt a little discouraged that I hadn’t had any additional ministry opportunities. On my first venture back into the real world, I wasn’t able to speak clearly, and so I wrote a note, which said, “Good morning. :) I am unable to speak, because I’ve just had surgery for a cancerous growth on my tongue. But God is good, and there’s no cancer in my body!” I showed the note to individuals at the post office, the library, and the grocery store. In addition, although I questioned God about sharing my testimony with more individuals, He reminded me that I was praying to have a greater realm of influence for Him. And as I am writing this 2018 Summer Series, “I Love to Tell the Story”, He has opened doors for me to share it with even more people!

How about you? Are you adventurous enough to pray the Jabez Prayer with me? “Bless me indeed! Expand my territory, my ministry.” Remember Paul’s words: “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” (Ephesians 3:20, Living Bible). Hallelujah!



Blessings & Peace

Elizabeth Hogan Hayduk
Former Salvation Army Officer (pastor), Canada