“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 4:10 (ESV)

Jabez was not a prominent king or a famous person. He was just a common, modest man, but the Bible has listed his name as one of the descendants of Judah.

The Bible describes him as more honorable than his brothers, His mother named him Jabez because of the sorrow she experienced during childbirth.It seems that his birth was not a joyful occasion, but one filled with deep emotional and physical pain.

In those days, a person was often named to represent a present situation or even to foreshadow the future of the child. It may seem that Jabez’s mother delivered him in pain, and she might have foreseen that his future would also be a painful one for him and those around him.

Yet Jabez must have lived an exceptionally noteworthy life, for the genealogy of Judah paused to give details about him in Scripture so that future generations would know about him.

His relationship with God could have been very intimate, and knowing who God is and what He is able to do, Jabez prayed a bold prayer—breaking the identity of “pain” spoken over his life. The Scripture says, “God granted the prayer of Jabez.”

God granted Jabez’s request because he lived a humble, honorable, and faith-filled life. The life of Jabez encourages us that a common person like you and me can transform the lives of people living with us and around us. When we live a life pleasing to God, our story will not end the way it started, nor as others may have foreseen. The Lord answers the prayers of the righteous.

In order for God to grant our requests, we must desire to live a life of righteousness, which can only be obtained by having an intimate relationship with God. The Bible describes our righteousness as filthy rags, but the righteousness that God desires is accomplished only through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ displayed an exemplary life by living humbly and honorably. As we walk in the fullness of Christ, we put on Christ and carry the image of God, leading a righteous life. A life in Jesus will change your “name tag.” The perceptions of others over your life will be erased, and in Christ, there is always a new beginning.

With Jesus at your side, declare the prayer of Jabez over yourself and your household: Yes, God will bless you. He will enlarge your territory. His hand will be with you. He will keep you from evil. And He will keep you from pain.

Jabez’s life may have started in pain and agony, but it ended in increase and expansion. This man, once marked by sorrow, had a small part to play in the kingdom of God—and so do we.

So desire to live a life of legacy with Christ at your side.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the example of Jabez. Help me to live a life that is honorable before You. May my life be a testimony of Your blessing and grace, leaving a legacy that honors Your name. Amen.