Run the Race Marked out for You

By Sapphire Berry

Life is like a race, and no matter who you are, you are in the race––whether you signed up or not. The minute you were birthed into this earth, the race was on. You must finish the race that’s marked out for you. I cannot veer over into your lane and expect to receive the prize you earned and deserve. Your prize is based on you––and you only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796055429

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Copyright © 2019 by Sapphire Berry.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2019912772

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-7960-5544-3

                 Softcover        978-1-7960-5543-6

                eBook              978-1-7960-5542-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright © 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified Bible, New Testament copyright © 1954, 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the Good News Translation — Second Edition. Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Rev. date: 08/28/2019

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I

dedicate this to my daughter, Chadana D. Kimble. Chadana, I hope that the completion of this work has truly inspired you to run and finish the race that is set before you. Darling, life is a challenge, and despite the mistakes or the circumstances, we must finish. You have seen my dedication, persistence, and discipline to get up and attack the goals for the day. This I did to accomplish my goals and to be productive in every way, every day—and I know the fruit does not fall far from the tree. Darling, I want you to glean all my good and purpose to understand the rest.

The doors to life are in front of you, and you are the best of the best. And at this season of your life, you hold the keys in your hands to experience life at its highest. The decisions we make will alter and will become turning points in our lives. Shug, you can’t miss. It’s too important. You must hit the mark and possess your land. I never want it said of you… I wish …, I shoulda, coulda …, or If I had a … . Glean, Chadana, and make quality choices now. The windows of opportunity are open now, and it’s not too late to make the adjustments despite missing the train.

Contents

Preface

Why I Wrote This Book

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1   Who Was Jabez?

Chapter 2   What Was the Jabez Blessing?

Chapter 3   The Promises of God Are Conditional

Chapter 4   Keys to the Kingdom

Chapter 5   Examining the Patriarchs

Conclusion

A Final Word

Write me a Little Note

Preface

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

—Author unknown

This manuscript was on the shelf for several years, and when I launched the first edition, I believed it was the right time to birth the book. Since that time, I have grown in more revelation. Yet the foundational principles have not changed. So I am introducing the second edition. Some years ago, most readers would have choked on my message because many people did not have insight for this work I am presenting. But God has revealed Himself in such a dimension that I am inspired to write another edition. The principles reflected herein could have been resented, and possibly today would still be, because they go against the belief system that was so prevalent awhile back. The general thinking was that one could simply pray the prayer of Jabez and automatically walk in the blessing. However, I believe there is a misunderstanding about the process one must walk through to receive the blessing on that level.

The prayer of Jabez and the potential of this blessing were dominant in the hearts of many people. They were blinded by anything other than Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory. The excitement and the possibility of walking into this blessing brought hope to a desperate generation. Unfortunately, desperation often deepens one’s lack of understanding, and it can lead to unnecessary disappointment.

Today is the acceptable time to receive what the spirit is saying to the churches. The blessing still belongs to you. Open your hearts as you read and receive what God wants to do in you.

Why I Wrote This Book

I was inspired to write this book to shake the body of Christ into understanding that receiving and walking in the blessings of God is not magic. God is more than a king waving a magic wand, and we, His people, are more than puppets dancing recklessly. God has given us the gift of life, and what we do with that life is our choice; the possibilities are endless. Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV says, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have