DAY 13 | Church Vision for 2026 | Pastor Jason Hitte
I love the beginning of a brand-new year! A new year offers endless possibilities—new starts, new beginnings, fresh vision. And I love how our church prioritizes prayer every January. It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest keys to experiencing God’s best in your life.
But as we pray, it’s important that we pray the right way—prayers filled with wisdom, faith, and expectation. Tucked away in the genealogies of Scripture in 1 Chronicles, we find the prayer of Jabez. In nine chapters of names, there’s almost no commentary, until suddenly the Bible pauses and highlights one man. Let’s look at why.
The name Jabez means “pain” or “sorrow.” He began life with a label—pain. His name carried a story of limitation, disappointment, and struggle. But instead of settling into that identity, he lifted his eyes and prayed a bold, specific prayer: “…Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”
This is more than a verse—it’s a model. Jabez refused to let his past define his future. He prayed beyond what he saw, beyond what he felt, and beyond what others had spoken over him. And Scripture concludes with this powerful line: “…And God granted his request.”
As we step into 2026, God doesn’t want us to play it safe. He doesn’t want us beginning this year with small expectations or a mindset that settles for the same as last year. God calls us to pray like Jabez—to believe Him for new territory.
As a church, that’s exactly how we’re praying: “God, enlarge our territory.” And in that prayer, we’re not simply asking for bigger rooms or additional locations. We’re asking for more people to be reached with the Gospel. More families connected to God’s house. More leaders raised for Kingdom impact. More courage to step boldly into everything God has prepared for us.
As you pray today, I challenge you: let go of past labels. Release every limitation. Lay down both failures and successes. Pray with fresh faith, renewed vision, and bold confidence for new territory.
God did it for Jabez. I believe God will do it for you.
But as we pray, it’s important that we pray the right way—prayers filled with wisdom, faith, and expectation. Tucked away in the genealogies of Scripture in 1 Chronicles, we find the prayer of Jabez. In nine chapters of names, there’s almost no commentary, until suddenly the Bible pauses and highlights one man. Let’s look at why.
The name Jabez means “pain” or “sorrow.” He began life with a label—pain. His name carried a story of limitation, disappointment, and struggle. But instead of settling into that identity, he lifted his eyes and prayed a bold, specific prayer: “…Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”
This is more than a verse—it’s a model. Jabez refused to let his past define his future. He prayed beyond what he saw, beyond what he felt, and beyond what others had spoken over him. And Scripture concludes with this powerful line: “…And God granted his request.”
As we step into 2026, God doesn’t want us to play it safe. He doesn’t want us beginning this year with small expectations or a mindset that settles for the same as last year. God calls us to pray like Jabez—to believe Him for new territory.
As a church, that’s exactly how we’re praying: “God, enlarge our territory.” And in that prayer, we’re not simply asking for bigger rooms or additional locations. We’re asking for more people to be reached with the Gospel. More families connected to God’s house. More leaders raised for Kingdom impact. More courage to step boldly into everything God has prepared for us.
As you pray today, I challenge you: let go of past labels. Release every limitation. Lay down both failures and successes. Pray with fresh faith, renewed vision, and bold confidence for new territory.
God did it for Jabez. I believe God will do it for you.
Posted in 21 Days of Devos