Uncomminicated Lessons From The Life of Jabez

Jabez was just a labelled man from birth who was mentioned only in 2 verses of the whole Bible. You might not know what part of the scripture he was mentioned, but I suppose you’re well acquainted with his story.

I wish I was there to chide Jabez’s mum. Names are so important because they eventually speak over the name bearer’s life. How then could she do that to her son? This is why you need to know the origin of your name, why did they give you such a name and what the meaning is.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 — “9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 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.” (KJV)

From the above, we could say that Jabez got such a name because his birth was so painful. Could that be all? I don’t want to believe so. There might have been some other circumstances around it.

Jabez means “sorrow.” He could have lived the rest of His life carrying the name and watched it come to fruition as he grows up. Do you even think he’d ever be successful with such a name if nothing was done? Of course, not.

I know you’ve read that part probably once or twice without seeing the light there. I will show you what I saw from reading that part.

He was Honorable more than his brothers

Jabez’s siblings probably had a nice name compared to Him and just imagine how much mockery he would have received just from bearing such a name, Yet, the scripture says that He was more honourable than his brothers.

This implies that as a believer, never let your situations or circumstances define you and your character. You can still live as the light that you are irrespective of what you’re going through. He could have chosen to be a rebel since he has been labelled, but no, he chose a different path.

He was unpretentious

The scripture says that those that humble themselves would be honoured. Jabez knew that the deed has been done. I have been given this name, but I can change it, although, even changing the name to something else doesn’t take away the curse that automatically came with the name. He knew something was wrong, so he didn’t pretend or live in denial.

What should be done? Only the Creator can help me. He went back to His Source, acknowledged his helplessness and seek the needed help. As a believer, learn to be humble. You must learn to decrease, that He may increase. Stop living in pretence,  pride and denial.

He knew the power of prayer

It would have been easy for him to keep blaming His mum, complaining, and being bitter. But he knew that all of those will not help him, they won’t pave the way or change things. The only way to get out is through prayer and he didn’t keep quiet.

My mum would always say that “If you’re silent, what is wrong with you will be silent as well and keep striking silently.”

He wasn’t silent. He cried out to God. As a believer, when was the last time you opened up and cry out to God? Instead of complaining, worrying and being anxious, have you prayed? We’ve been admonished to pray without ceasing and to pray about every and any thing.

Philippians 4:6 — “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV)

Jabez did just that.

CONCLUSION

From the life of Jabez, I realized that the power to change lives lies in the hand of an individual that desires change. He desired change and he cried out for it. So for how long would, you let your background, situations, circumstances and birth define you? Aren’t you tired? Don’t you want it to be over?

Genesis 27:40 — “40 You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.”” (KJV)

Your breakthrough only comes when you can take it no more- when you stop complaining. And being a believer is an added advantage because you can war and change things first in the spirit before you take actions that align with your prayer.

I hope you’d really utilize these lessons if you haven’t been doing that. I pray that you’re free from every covenant that has held you bound in Jesus’ name. Amen

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