April 25, 2017. 1 Chronicles 3-5.

 

Chronicles 4.9-10

9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” 10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.

Jabez recognized the evil in this world, no doubt because he had lived through much pain in his life. Pain is not necessarily a punishment but a reminder that we live in a fallen world from which there is no escape but the grace of God.  We need to recognize as did Jabez that the hand of God will bless us and transform the evil and pain of life to the blessings and peace of life. Remember Joseph who understood that all his pain and problems were used and transformed by God into blessing for him and thousands of others. What are you asking God to do for you in the midst of your pain? It is interesting that the bible tells us that “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers”. I believe it is because of his boldness in asking God for such an adacious blessing in the midst of a painful life. It honors God when we

“…draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Jabez was bold and unflinching in his request for God to bless him. Are you willing today to be that bold to ask God for something great in spite of the fact that your life may be filled with pain at the present moment? It takes great faith in a great God to ask for great things. Consider these words of Jesus

    7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matt.7.7-11

Many times our prayers are a direct reflection of our view of our heavenly father. Jabez had a healthy view of God even though his early life was obviously pain filled he believed God had something better for him than what he was experiencing and he wanted all the goodness that God could give him. 

Start your day today by asking God to bless you and give you all that he intends for you to enjoy. And may His blessing be wrapped in peace not pain.