Shalom, child of God! Welcome as we study the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ the message that brings hope for both our present and eternal lives. Today, we reflect on a man named Jabez, a man whose story is brief but deeply impactful. We will look at his sincere prayer to God and how God answered him. His story is found in 1 Chronicles 4:9–10. Let us read it together:
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:9–10 (ESV)
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:9–10 (ESV)
From this short passage, we learn that Jabez did not have an easy start in life. His very name“Jabez” means “sorrow” or “pain”, because his mother gave birth to him during a time of deep distress. The Bible does not specify what kind of sorrow she experienced. It could have been due to health issues, financial hardship, personal loss, or emotional suffering. Whatever the cause, it was significant enough for her to name her son after her pain.
In ancient Hebrew culture, names carried deep meaning they were often prophetic or descriptive of a person’s destiny. To be called “Jabez” was to be labeled with pain, grief, and misfortune. People around him likely saw him as someone marked for a troubled life. While others were named Joy, Peace, Grace, or Blessing, he bore a name associated with sorrow, trouble, and misfortune.
Despite this heavy burden, Jabez did not accept this fate as final. The Bible tells us he was more honorable than his brothers meaning he lived with integrity, dignity, and fear of the Lord, even when others may have seen him as cursed. Rather than blaming others or giving up, he turned to the only One who could change his destiny: the God of Israel.
His prayer is short but powerful. Let us look again at what he said:
“Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, so that it might not bring me pain.”1 Chronicles 4:10 (paraphrased)
Jabez made four bold requests to God:
This last point is crucial. Jabez didn’t blame his name or past. He identified the real threat to his future: evil, which causes pain both to us and those around us. He asked God to keep him from sin, and the Bible says:
“And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 (ESV)
Jabez realized something that many overlook: It is not curses, names, or past mistakes that destroy us it is evil (sin) that ruins destinies.
Jesus taught a similar truth:
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.”Matthew 15:18–19 (ESV)
Jabez sought to be pure before God to be protected not just from harm, but from doing harm.
Maybe, like Jabez, your beginning was painful. Maybe you were born into spiritual bondage, or you carry labels placed on you by others “thief,” “addict,” “prostitute,” “failure,” “useless,” “cursed.” Perhaps you’ve been called names or even cursed by your own parents. Maybe you’ve inherited spiritual problems through demonic dedications or ungodly family traditions.
But hear this clearly: Your past does not define your future God does.
Jabez changed his story by seeking God with all his heart, and you can too.
1.Repent sincerely Acknowledge your sins and turn from them fully.
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19 (ESV)
2.Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior Surrender your life to Him.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
3.Be baptized biblically By full immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” Acts 2:38 (ESV)
4.Ask for the Holy Spirit You need God’s power to overcome sin and walk in victory.
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” Acts 1:8 (ESV)
5.Pray like Jabez Ask God to bless you, guide you, and protect you from evil.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, you will overcome:
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful… He will also provide the way of escape.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
Like Jabez, you can become more honorable than your past, your background, or your name. Your story is not over. God is willing to write a new chapter for you today.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 3:15 (ESV)
Let this be your moment of transformation.
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Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
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