Blessed Beyond Limitations
1 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.
The word, “honorable,” used here means, “heavy.” Jabez was a heavy baby, which explains why his mother experienced such pain in childbirth. By naming him “Pain,” however, she cast a shadow over his future since names were tied to a person’s character and destiny. Jabez would forever be known for pain unless God intervened and blessed him.
Jabez saw limitations in his name. He had nothing to do with his weight at birth or the pain his mother experienced. He could do nothing about his mother’s choice of a name for him. He could, however, cry out to God concerning his limitations. With God’s blessing, he could be fruitful and productive in spite of his name. God granted his request.
Our pain can limit us, as well. We can hide behind our pain, carry it as a trophy, or surrender it to God and ask Him to bless us in spite of it. Jabez didn’t want pity; he wanted blessing. He asked for grace and received it. He asked for favor and received it. He asked for blessing and received it. He asked for protection and received it. We can ask for these things, too. Only God’s blessing can help us overcome the pain we carry and the stigma attached with it.
Determine to live beyond your limitations today by asking God to bless you, extend your border, and to keep you from harm. You cannot overcome your limitations in your own strength, but God’s blessing upon you can propel you beyond the confines of your circumstances. Your limitations can become opportunity for God to be glorified if you will humble yourself and cry out to Him, as Jabez did. Ask God to bless you and make you a blessing. Jabez received such a request, and so can you.
Have a blessed day!