1 Chron 4:9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”
Jabez is notable because, in a line of chapters that are nothing but names and connections, we get a little story about Jabez. Commentary says we don’t hear about him in any other chapter, but here, we hear about his prayer and God’s answer.
1 Chron 4:10a Jabez cried out to the God of Israel….
So what can we learn from Jabez? Cry out to God. Always. It is easy to whine and complain to others when things are bad, but at most, others can only commiserate. Take your troubles to God, and be specific. Jabez asks specifically for four things. He wasn’t vague or indirect about what he wanted and needed. Trust God. Jabez went to the source and asked specifically for what he needed. God heard him and granted his request
1 Chron 4:10b …“Oh, that 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.” …
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. In the midst of all the genealogy, thank You for this story of Jabez. Help me to bring my troubles to You, to ask specifically for what I need, and to trust You. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Chron 4:10c …And God granted his request.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.