The Prayer of Jabez...

You’ve heard about the prayer of Jabez. It was a very popular book a number of years ago. The reason for its popularity is the request for a pain-free and trouble-free life. It matches up perfectly with the “American way”. I’m not sure who wrote the most recent book, and I’m not even sure what it’s about, but I know that this prayer (by Jabez) isn’t for everyone. The scripture verses tell us that Jabez sounds like the Hebrew word for distress or pain. His mother named him this, probably due to her experience with him before and during birth. The only thing we know about him is that he was more honorable than any of his brothers. Maybe he had Down’s syndrome, or some abnormality that kept him close to and dependent on his mother. Whatever the reason, Jabez was special; special enough to God to answer his specific prayer. God has a way of protecting those that need it. He knows their hearts and provides everything necessary for them to live. We are not told of the details or the outcome of Jabez’s life, so I can’t fully comment on that. However, I do want to mention that adversity builds character. Pain gets our attention and helps get our priorities back on track. Jabez’s character must’ve been set in advance (probably from the start), because without adversity, there’s not much to promote character development. Pain and trouble have a place in life. It takes pressure to make a diamond, and irritation to produce pearls. A life free of trouble and pain sounds like Heaven, not here on earth, and wouldn’t be very beneficial to those of us with a sinful, rebellious nature. Whatever the case, Jabez’s prayer is one we should examine, and realize, regardless of its content, it’s God Who is the important One; worthy of our focus, attention, and Recipient of our prayers.

9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that You would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10