The Prayer of Jabez

In the middle of 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9 — nine chapters of genealogies that most readers skip — there is a two-verse story that stands out like a diamond in gravel.

'Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." And Jabez called on the Elohim of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So Elohim granted him what he requested.' (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)

Jabez's name literally means 'pain' or 'sorrow.' His mother named him after her suffering. He was defined by pain from birth. But Jabez refused to let his name define his destiny.

His prayer contains four requests: (1) Bless me indeed — not a selfish request, but a bold one. (2) Enlarge my territory — expand my influence and responsibility. (3) Let Your hand be with me — I need Your presence and power. (4) Keep me from evil — protect me so I don't cause the pain my name represents.

Yahuah granted every request. Jabez's story teaches that your origin does not determine your destination. A name given in pain can be rewritten by Yahuah's blessing.