Posted: 24 April 2023

From a sermon given on 23 April 2023:

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
(1 Chronicles 4:9, 10)

Jabez labored under the stigma of a bad name with a negative connotation. His mother called him Jabez because when the time was due for his birth, the birth pain was excessive. Although all children are born with sorrow, sorrow is afterwards forgotten. But this sorrow must have been so extraordinary that it was even remembered when Jabez was of age.

But the same child who almost caused the death of his dear mother became more honorable than his brothers. Jabez prayed a personal prayer asking God for his blessings. Jabez prayed that God's hands be with him and that he be kept away from all evil. Jabez took his walk with God seriously and God answered his prayers. By divine grace, what was negative became positive; he excelled above all his brothers.

In our daily life, people are constantly sticking labels on us. Many of us have been told what we cannot become. Instead of speaking faith and encouragement, some put negative labels on us with the aim of preventing us from reaching our highest potential. If you dwell on them long enough, they will take root in you. Like Jabez, we can turn off every negative label through prayer.

You can hear the small still voice whispering , "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Further readings:

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
(Genesis 32:28)

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
(Isaiah 62: 4)

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
(Jeremiah 30:17)