“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.”
In biblical days, names were given to children to influence their future or describe their worth. The name Jabez means, “he causes pain.” Can you imagine carrying the burden of this name from birth? Jabez must’ve been heart-stricken with the idea his existence was to cause pain. He could have spent his life alone, cursed God, or been miserable. But instead, Jabez prayed for God’s blessings and protection against those things that were spoken of him, and it was granted.
Jesus wants us to pray for others, but don’t hesitate to go to Him in prayer for yourself. He will bless you to be a blessing to others. Because he prayed, God found Jabez to be more honorable than his brothers, in spite of his given name. Jabez became what he was called by the One who named him first—the head and not the tail, above only and never beneath.
Who better to pray for you?
“Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me indeed and keeping Your hand with me. I thank You for protecting me from evil, both seen and unseen. Today, I walk in Your blessings, knowing You have already granted my request. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”