By Andrew Williams
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. 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.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT
Good morning fellow disciples.
Petition: a request made for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority; a supplication or prayer.
Name: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing.
Many names are prophetic in nature. Names can shape your character or your life. In Hebrew the name Jabez means: “He Grieves, He Will Cause Pain”.
Can you imagine going through life knowing that everyone considers you as someone who grieves or will cause pain?
Can you imagine how awful it would be for you to actually believe this about yourself? Maybe Jabez was thinking, “How could my mother curse me by giving me this name?”
Jabez was apparently affected by his name. He could have changed his name, but he didn’t. He however knew how to remove the curse and replace it with a blessing. He made a petition to God Almighty: “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!”
Do you see how he used the meaning of his name in his prayer? He asked God to keep him from what his name meant. He also asked God to bless him and increase his territory. Most importantly, he asked God to be with him in all he did!
What are you going through in life? Do you need things to change for the better?
Ask God to bless you!
Prayer: Lord God, things are not going well for me right now. I feel as if I am cursed. I need my life to change for the better. I have tried, I am trying to make things better, but I know that only You can truly bless me.
Lord, I am asking You to release me from what ails me. Make me prosperous I pray. But most importantly, I am asking You to be with me in all I do. I crave Your presence more than anything! Bless me Lord! Amen.
