Walking With Christ

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (9)Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” (10)Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.(ESV)

In ancient Israel names carried meaning. It was believed that a name would tell everyone who you were. Your name would tell others about your character. The name Jabez is very close to the Hebrew word for pain. Child birth is painful, but the word associated with Jabez carries both physical and emotional pain. This gives the impression that the circumstances surrounding his birth was more than just physically painful.

The name given to a child could be considered a curse. Jabez meant pain. His life began with the threat of a curse that might follow him his entire life. Rather than simply accept this curse, he prayed. He asked our God to turn this pain into a blessing. God heard his prayers and answered him.

We serve a gracious God who hears our prayers and enjoys answering them.