THE PRAYER OF JABEZ:
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT
[9] There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. [10] He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.
Jabez was an honorable man yet he noticed that something was not quite right with him. He noticed that he wasn’t getting blessed in life, plus he was causing pain unintentionally to others. So, he prayed and asked God to bless him, extend his territory and help him not to be the cause of pain to anyone anymore. God granted his request.
Why was Jabez not blessed like others? Why was he in the habit of causing pain to others? It was because he was named Jabez by his mum because of the unusual pain she suffered while giving birth to him. Jabez means one who causes pain or makes sorrowful. Whoever came around him had to be very careful because he wouldn’t spare anyone! All because of a name?
For some reasons that are difficult to explain some people find their names working against them. We must therefore be careful when choosing names for our children. Let’s not name our children because of negative experiences and after people who have questionable characters even if they are rich and famous. Names do impact and influence our lives.
But Jabez was truly an honorable man. He acknowledged the source of his predicament, humbled himself before the only one had the power to change things, and cried sincerely to Him for help and God turned things around for. No matter how difficult your case is, God will turn it around for you too, if you sincerely humble yourself.
James 4:10 NLT
[10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Let’s do it !