Many are deeply impressed and moved by the prayer of Jabez. His story and prayer led to a bestselling book. And it's a great book. His prayer has inspired many to be bold and ask God for great things, and it should. His courageous faith lifts us up. Here is a man who starts his life with the name "Pain" and in Bible times a man's name is what he was known for. So he was a man of pain, in pain, and associating with him may ultimately cause pain. That's quite the obstacle to overcome. But here he is, never mentioned before or after, but with just two verses in the Bible he is a major encourager to us all. But what is it about the prayer of Jabez that is so inspiring? It is that he was a "faith walker" and not just a "faith talker."

He didn't just say he believed God was bigger than his pain. He didn't just say he believed God could do what he said. He didn't just say he believed as a child of God, God wanted to and could hear and answer his prayer. No. "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel... And God granted his request." (1 Chronicles 4:10).

If you too want the results Jabez received, you too have to do more than talk about your faith, you have to walk in it. What are you crying out to (and believing) God for today?

Dr. William Burnham is a pastor at Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@charter.net.