Prayer of Jabez

Jabez was more honourable than his brothers. His mother. Named him Jabez and said, "I gave birth to him in pain."

Jabez called out to The God of Israel: "if Only You would bless me, extend my boarder, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so I will not cause any pain." And God granted his request. I chronicles 4:9,10

Right in the middle of the geology of the descendants of the tribe of Judah these two verses appear. We have no idea as to who Jabez's parents were. We can only assume that he fits in where he is mentioned.

Just like the book of Job which tells the tale of another righteous man these few verses tell a whole lot.

The Old a testament really only deals with, throughout it's history of a select few names, if we really think about it. In the thousands of years we only hear of those who had a relationship with their God.

It is unusual to have this mention, right in the middle of a genealogy. The writer of the book had an awareness of Jabez that was worth mentioning.

I am grateful! When I am feeling obscure and unimportant I remember Jabez. More importantly I remember that God is a God of relationship and He longs to know me, just as I am. No matter what others may call me or say about me I am known by my God, as are you.

Jabez caused his mother pain in childbirth and then, in turn, she named him because of that one instance. There was no faith in her proclamation. However, Jabez, rose up in faith toward his 

God and asked for favour, and received it.

As a child of God, washed by the blood of the Lamb, I can go to the Father and ask for His blessing. That He would turn the proclamation of others on it's head and lift me above and beyond all my adversaries. Amen!