Insights from Jabez
I Chronicles 4:9-10
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.” And God granted his request.
Jabez prayed and received from God. He is proof that God hears the prayers of His people and answers us. Just what made Jabez’s prayer so powerful? You can read the book if you like, but here are my insights for this morning.
We see Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. This does not mean he was better than them in any way. Honorable here means, “heavy.” Jabez was heavier than his brothers, which explains why his mother experienced such a painful birth. Apparently, she never wanted to forget that pain because she gave her son the name “Pain” to carry for the rest of his life. Perhaps, she was expecting the worst from him.
Jabez, however, did not want pain to characterize his life nor his destiny. He did not want to be associated with pain forever. He could not help the fact that he was heavy at birth, but he could pray to God and ask for something better for his life. God granted his request.
As a widow, you cannot help the fact that your husband has died. Many negative associations are often made with the word, “widow.” They are depicted as lonely, poor, pitied, abandoned, helpless, and even a burden in society. In Christ, however, we don’t have to be any of those things. Like Jabez, we can cry out to God and ask Him to bless us and increase our borders. He will give us influence and bless the work of our hands as we serve others. We don’t have to live as victims when Christ has already won the victory for us! We are more than conquerors in Him, and we can still prosper and be a life-giving resource to others. Don’t let widowhood define you, and don’t be what people expect. Dare to ask God to give you a more abundant life, and expect Him to answer accordingly. He delights to hear a widow with faith!
Have a blessed day!