SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
(1 Chronicles 4:9-10) (9) “And Jabez was more honorable 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.”
(Romans 15:4) “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
(Psalms 91:14-16) (14) “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” (15) “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” (16) “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
(Psalms 19:14) “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
PREFACE SUMMARY
Beloved, the Book of Chronicles is thought to have been written around five hundred years before the birth of Christ. It is widely accepted among scholars that the book was authored by the prophet Ezra.
What we know about an honorable man named Jabez comes from two verses in the Old Testament book of First Chronicles, the fourth chapter, verses nine and ten. These verses describe a man who, although he was given a name that means bad omen at birth, refused to allow that name to define him.
Saints, the writer does not give us much to work with except that he was born labeled as a problem child that caused his mother to have sorrow at the time of his birth.
Beloved, the writer describes him as having God's favor in his life, which caused God to insert his story in his hall of fame, which we call “the Holy Bible,” and as an honorable man, more honorable than his brothers.
Beloved, over the centuries, very famous writers have written entire books on the life of this man, speaking of how he overcame his childhood by not allowing the label on his name to define who he is. But beloved, how can they write about his life except to place themselves in his place and write about his life by the way God has acted in their own lives by reflecting back on the many trials and experiences that God brought them through?
Church, an excellent way to start writing about this man would be to search and discover what our first name means in origin and what it means in the bible. Then, beloved, search our middle and last name.
Saints, you will be surprised when you discover that your past is very similar to what your name actually means. However, like Jabez, we do not have to allow our past to define our future. If the devil can keep us tripped up in our past, he knows he will not have to deal with us in the future.
When I read these two verses of scripture about a man labeled at birth as a problem child and read where God speaks of him being more honorable than his brothers, it causes me to look where the two chapters are located, for the chapter begins by naming the ancestral linage from Adam then breaks to tell the story of Jabez and finishes the chapter by listing the ancestral linage proving that the Israelites that had just come out of seventy years of captivity, were in fact, God’s chosen people.
Beloved, I hope you can spare a moment to join me in reflecting on the incredible journey of my forty-three years as a professional truck driver in the United States. As I read this chapter, which eloquently speaks of the life-altering prayer of Jabez, who seemed to appear out of nowhere in this chapter of First Chronicles chapter four, I am reminded of the vivid memories from my trucking days, particularly when I traveled through the towering city rising up out of the desert called Las Vegas, Nevada.
As we set out from Salt Lake City, Utah, and make our way towards Barstow, California, we embark on a journey down Interstate 15 South, traversing the beautiful landscapes of the State of Utah. Our route would take us through a section of a winding road flanked by deep canyon gorges, offering breathtaking views as we pass through a portion of Arizona.
Exiting Arizona, we would find ourselves in a vast, hot desert with nothing but the horizon stretching for miles. Suddenly, a modern metropolis would materialize out of the desert expanse: the famous city of Las Vegas, Nevada. This city, known for its towering skyscrapers that seem to emerge from nowhere and reach towards the sky, has acquired the nickname "Sin City" due to its countless tempting attractions and the presence of legalized gambling establishments, which attract visitors from all corners of the globe.
Beloved, if we keep continuing southbound on Interstate fifteen, we will be dropped back into the desert for hundreds of miles and thus is the scenario of the story of Jabez, which appears in such an unusual place in scriptures to describe a man that made it into God's hall of fame.
" WHO IS JABEZ IN THE BIBLE?"
(1 Chron. 4:9-10) “And Jabez was more honorable 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.”
Beloved, let's delve into what we know about Jabez as described in the Bible, specifically in verses nine and ten of First Chronicles, chapter four. Jabez, whose name means "problem child," is depicted as prevailing over his circumstances rather than succumbing to them. His story is an inspirational example of not allowing one's past to limit future potential.
Jabez is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Chronicles. His story appears primarily in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, where he is described as a more honorable man than his brothers. The name “Jabez” means “he causes pain,” which reflects the circumstances of his birth; his mother named him this because she experienced significant pain during childbirth.
These verses tell the story of a man named Jabez who brought sorrow to his mother when he was born. In Tagalog (Philippine language), his name would be "Bwisit," which means "bad omen" or "problem child." What stands out is that despite being born under a curse, Jabez refused to let his name define him, and God granted his request in a special prayer asking for blessing.
Jabez is noted for his earnest prayer to God, asking for blessings and expanding his territory. He prayed, “Oh, you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.
In summary, Jabez's story parallels the apostle Paul's words in the book of Philippians, where he emphasizes the importance of leaving behind past grievances and focusing on the heavenly call in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
"THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD."
(Psalms 24: 3-5) (3) "Who may ascend to the hill of the Lord, and who may stand in His holy place?" (4) "He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully." ( 5.) "He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation."
Did you know that if you were to look up the word “sovereign” in the dictionary, you would find words and phrases like “superior,” “greatest,” “supreme in power or the authority of a state to govern itself or another state?
Beloved, we must realize that our God is eternal and is not bound by the dimension of time and the law of physics. He created time as a temporary context for His creation, and dear Saints, everything that has ever happened or will ever happen has already occurred within His awareness.
"Saints, our God is Holy, which means He is completely separate from imperfection or sin. This attribute distinguishes Him from everything created, highlighting His uniqueness and perfection. His moral character is the absolute integrity and ethical purity standard, demonstrating His unwavering righteousness and goodness."
Did you know that all creation relies on God for existence, but He does not need what was created to sustain him? Did you know that our God can speak everything seen and unseen into existence and maintain it with the right hand of his power? Did you know that His creative power is beyond our comprehension because when he speaks, galaxies are born?
Did you know that to be Holy is to be unique and separate from all things created, both seen and unseen? Our God is far above and beyond anything our three-pound brain can imagine because he has no limitations on what he can and cannot do. In other words, he can work inside and outside creation with no restrictions.
Beloved, it's fascinating to learn from the holy scriptures that Jabez chose not to be constrained by the opinions of others. Jabez deeply understood and acknowledged the absolute sovereignty of the almighty God. In a decisive moment of prayer, he called out to the God of Israel, proclaiming His lordship and seeking His divine guidance to intricately govern every aspect of his life. This acknowledgment of God's authority showcases Jabez's unwavering faith and reliance on the divine sovereignty and providence of the Lord.
Jabez's unyielding and unwavering faith, coupled with his complete reliance on the divine providence of the Lord, formed the cornerstone of his steadfast faith. This reminds me of King Jehoshaphat when he was surrounded by an enemy who had besieged the city, as he went before the Lord praying a prayer that not only acknowledged the God of Israel but identified his relationship with him as being his personal God and he was careful in his prayer to let God know that he was placing his complete trust and dependence in him. (2 Chronicles 20:6-12)
In conclusion, it is important to recognize the significance of the prayer of Jabez, which serves as a powerful example of sincere reliance on God’s sovereignty and providence. The realization of Jabez's request underscores the impact of genuine prayer that is in harmony with God's purpose and will. This highlights the importance of seeking alignment with God's plans and staying faithful in our prayers.
"JABEZ MAKES HONOR ROLL."
Did you know that our past does not have to define who we are? Sometimes, we develop habits of comparing ourselves to others, and many times, we see ourselves falling short of where we think we are, but in reality, we really do not know what they have been dealing with in life. People can sometimes look good on the outside, but on the inside, they are miserable because of dealing with past hurts.
Today, judges, ministers, and dignitaries present themselves as honorable men; however, some fail miserably to live up to that standard because they do not have a heart. Jabez had a heart that pleased God and do the scriptures state in the book of Matthew that "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
Beloved, Jabez lived his life not allowing others to influence him. Notice, beloved, that it was not a man who declared him an honorable man but God himself.
What caught God’s attention and caused him to declare Jabez to be a more honorable man than his brothers? To answer that question, I believe his prayer consisted of four key requests that brought God’s blessing to his life.
1. Blessing - Jabez asks for God’s blessing, which can be better understood as a request for divine favor and
support.
2. Enlargement of Territory - He seeks to expand his influence or responsibilities, suggesting a desire for
greater opportunities to serve and impact others positively.
3. God’s Hand with Him - This request signifies a plea for God’s presence and guidance in his endeavors,
acknowledging that success comes from divine assistance rather than personal effort alone.
4. Protection from Harm - Finally, he asks for protection from evil and pain, indicating an awareness of the
dangers present in everyday life.
Notice in his prayer that Jabez said, “That thou wouldest bless me.” Jabez recognizes God as the only true God, but he also acknowledges that all true blessings come from God alone. He trusted God to decide the depth of the blessing he desired, for he understood that God alone knows just how much he can be trusted with.
Beloved, can you reflect on your life and remember how God has many times come to your rescue, especially when your back was against the wall, and maybe with someone like Job’s wife standing in your face screaming, “Where is your God now when you need him?”
Saints, I can relate to the above verse and admit that I have been in those situations and have had God show up just in time to bless me in spite of everything warring against me. Therefore, may we realize that not only can God bless us with spiritual things, but he can also bless us with material things, especially if we are faithful with our tithes, which allows his work to continue throughout the Earth.
" ASKING GOD TO ENLARGE OUR BORDERS."
Beloved, how did Jabez, who was marked at birth with a name that means a problem child born under a bad omen, become honorable and even more so in the eyes of God than his brothers, and what God to enlarge his blessing?
"Jabez's plea, 'That thou wouldest enlarge my coast,' is often interpreted as a request for material prosperity and an expansion of physical territory. However, a deeper analysis of Jabez's lineage suggests that his request goes far beyond acquiring wealth and land. Rather, it implies a desire for spiritual blessing and an enlargement of his influence in advancing the kingdom of God. This sheds light on the profound spiritual significance of Jabez's prayer, going beyond material concerns to encompass a broader vision of spiritual prosperity and impact."
Beloved Jabez expressed a heartfelt desire for God to expand his blessings so that they would overflow and bring blessings to others. He longed for an abundance of God's favor for not only himself but also those around him.
Therefore, when we experience such favor with God, we, too, can confidently proclaim, “I’m drinking out of my saucer because my cup is full.” This expression signifies being so abundantly blessed that even the overflow is enough to bring joy and sustenance to others.
Beloved, Jabez longed for his spiritual boundaries to expand to bring future generations into the fold of the Lord of Israel. Do you find yourself lacking some of the blessings that Satan has taken away from you? If so, take the initiative to request from God an expansion of your life and the creation of new opportunities that will empower you to make an even more significant contribution to the advancement of His kingdom.
In conclusion, as we deeply examine the physical and spiritual blessings that Jabez sought from God, two crucial categories emerge for our petition to be effective. These categories provide insights into the significance of maintaining a consistent and fervent prayer life in our Christian Walk with God.
1. Personal Blessings:
Have you been experiencing a decrease in specific blessings or feel they have been taken away from you due
to negative influences? If this resonates with you, taking proactive steps to seek God's assistance in
broadening your life experiences might be beneficial. By requesting God for new opportunities, you can
empower yourself to make a more significant contribution to the growth and advancement of His kingdom.
2. Desire for Spiritual Growth:
Jabez's genuine longing for increased spiritual influence stemmed from his deep-seated aspiration to serve as
a beacon, leading future generations toward a profound relationship with the Lord of Israel. This yearning
illustrates his profound desire for personal growth and an unwavering commitment to guiding others in their
spiritual journey, nurturing their faith, and strengthening their connection with their faith.
"PRAYER FOR DIVINE GUIDANCE & PROTECTION."
Jabez's request for "That thine hand might be with me" reflects his deep understanding that the blessing he sought required the power of God's hand to protect and guide him in the right direction. By invoking God's mighty presence like Jabez, we open ourselves to experiencing remarkable results that can only be attributed to God's hand. This illustrates the profound connection between seeking divine guidance and witnessing the incredible impact of God's intervention in our lives.
The symbol of the "hand" of God is often used to represent His power, authority, and guidance in religious and spiritual contexts. When Jabez requests God's hand to be with him, it reflects his desire for protection, support, and direction in all his undertakings. This demonstrates an awareness of human limitations and a sincere longing for divine assistance and intervention in every aspect of his life.
Beloved reader Jabez demonstrated a profound understanding of the significance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom to embrace the blessings he sought fully. He was acutely aware of the multitude of temptations that could potentially obstruct his path and diminish the fruition of these blessings. Consequently, he recognized the need to remain virtuous and steadfast to safeguard the blessings and experience their complete manifestation.
Jabez's prayer for divine guidance demonstrates the importance of depending on divine strength rather than relying solely on personal abilities or external resources. By emphasizing the need to approach God with our specific needs and desires, Jabez's prayer encourages individuals to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship founded on trust and unwavering faith in God's ability to provide, guide, and bless. This prayer serves as a reminder for believers to seek God's involvement in every aspect of their lives and to trust Him to fulfill their needs and desires according to His will and purpose.
"When Jabez prayed to the Lord, he made a specific request for protection from evil, seeking to avoid distress. It's important to note that Jabez did not acknowledge or accept the concept of being under a curse linked to his name. His prayer demonstrated his deep plea to God for safeguarding against harm and temptation, emphasizing his desire for spiritual and physical protection."
Beloved, did you know that this prayer has worked to bring blessings to many who prayed it in sincerity, including myself? I always end my prayer asking God to rebuke the spirit of retaliation, especially after being in a good-spirited service, because beloved, those same spirits you met while high in the spirit are going to be mad and waiting on you when you come down in the valley.
Saints, we can turn to Matthew’s gospel and find Jesus instructing the disciples to ask God to forgive their trespasses as they forgive the trespasses of others, including asking God to deliver them from evil in what is described as the model prayer which Jesus gave his disciples as being the right way to approach God their heavenly father. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Beloved, there are many paths that we can take as we journey through life, and just as many things can tempt and distract us from the path God desires for us to take. Therefore, may we, like Jabez, pray a prayer that will get God's attention, asking him to keep us from evil and realizing that God’s bountiful blessings can only find us when we allow him to lead us to them.
In conclusion, Jabez's prayer is a powerful reminder to pursue God's presence in every aspect of our daily lives, both in our decision-making processes and when facing challenges. This prayer underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and influence in all areas, including our work, relationships, and personal development, as we navigate through life and pursue our calling in ministry.
MY CONCLUSION
The story of Jabez found in 1 Chronicle 4:9-10, is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of prayer and faith. Despite being born into a life marked by pain and sorrow—symbolized by his name—Jabez chose to call upon God for blessings, expansion of influence, divine presence, and protection from harm. His prayer encapsulates vital elements that resonate with many believers: the desire for God’s favor, the ambition to impact others positively, reliance on divine strength, and the plea for safety from life’s adversities.
Jabez’s life is a powerful reminder that the circumstances of one's early life do not inevitably predetermine one's future outcome. Instead, the depth of one's relationship with God and unwavering commitment to seeking His guidance can set the stage for a life characterized by honor and fulfillment.
The divine grant of Jabez's requests underscores the crucial significance of approaching God with genuine sincerity and unwavering faith. Overall, Jabez's narrative serves as an inspiring beacon, challenging individuals to transcend their challenges through the transformative power of prayer and placing unwavering trust in God's benevolence. It reminds us that even amidst a world fraught with adversities, the assurance of hope and a sense of purpose can be discovered through our profound connection with the Divine.
The essence of Jabez's prayer is that we should seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit to comprehend Jabez’s perspective when he implored the God of Heaven for guidance in receiving blessings and protection from evil while also placing our trust in Him to ensure our lives have significance.
When considering God's guiding hand and blessing, the first thing that comes to mind is recognizing my vulnerability to self-criticism. Jabez's prayer resonates with me as he sought God's strength to resist temptation, understanding the potential harm it could cause his testimony and his community.
In conclusion, let me say that through my own experiences, I have come to understand the transformative power of submitting to God's will and praying like Jabez. I firmly believe that when we do so, we open ourselves to witnessing God's mighty works, in line with what He promised in Jeremiah 33:3: "Call unto me, and I will show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."
MY CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your tremendous love and blessing over our lives, for we rest in knowing that you promised never to leave nor forsake us as your children, but you promised to go with us all the way, even to the end of the world.
Dear Lord, please forgive us for failing to remember that you know and understand what we need. For you were once one of us who was tempted in all points as we were, and you went to the cross to pay our sin debt so that we could be drafted into your royal family as Sons and Daughters, sharing with you in your glory, acknowledging our dependence upon you and realizing that we are a part of your glorious body on Earth.
Lord, help us realize that there is strength in numbers, and we need each other to be fruitful and live a prosperous life as your people. Do not let us be careless and prideful in our Christian Walk, Lord, looking like a bunch of used body parts. Help us realize, Lord, that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that we are a part of your glorious body as sons and daughters in your kingdom.
Lord, in closing, we ask for you to enlarge our borders and put your hand on us to guide us in the blessing. We need your divine guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness as you lead us by your Spirit to divine appointments, and your name might be glorified as you leave your signature through us to future generations.
Father, we ask that you assign an Angel to accompany this work into the home of every person who will take time to read it, and heavenly father, we ask that you keep us from evil so that we will not be grieved, tempted, or cause pain and Lord I ask in Jesus mighty name that you will touch, heal and deliver all that need prayer. We ask these favors and call upon your wonderful name and believe that you have heard and accepted our humble plea, A-men
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
