Do You Need To (Christian) Man Up? Jabez 2017.03.16

A lot goes with a person's name. It can describe a person's character. Example: "Jesus" means "Savior", "Moses" means "drawn forth"... What does your name mean? Have you ever looked it up?

What if your name meant "He causes pain"?

Today's spotlight is on Jabez, whose name does in fact mean "He causes pain." Look at one of the few references to Jabez in the bible:

9Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,[a] saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." 10Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "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." And God granted his request.


1 Chronicles 4:9-10


When something like pain gets noted in the Bible, it's probably safe to assume that this birth was exceptionally more painful than normal (physically, emotionally, ... who knows?) Now, in the Bible, names are very important - They often define a person's future. But how does this definition predict Jabez's future?

Wait... who is Jabez? Again, not a whole lot is written about him. He's known as a man of prayer and had become "famous" for his directness and simplicity in prayer. He wasn't afraid to tell God exactly what he needed, but mind you, he called upon God to help him accomplish God's promises. He was someone who was confident that God would help him achieve His Plan. And when our desires match up with His Plan, God will not let us down.

  • Do you believe that God will give you what you desire?
  • What exactly do you desire?
  • Do you believe that God will take care of everything you need?
  • Are you afraid to tell God the things that you really desire?

Jabez prayed for more land. Topically, this sounds weird or selfish, but we need to understand that this was for the kingdom of Israel. He didn't pray (firstmost) for "dirt", but for people - He prayed for God's kingdom to grow. He also prayed to "be free from pain" and he believed that God was more than capable of protecting him from any painful situation. We need to remember that God doesn't always change our circumstances, but that He does give us a safe place. He is the One we can run to during those painful moments. And any experienced disciple can tell you, He doesn't so much take away the pain, but does give us a safe place to go when it all goes down.

God can answer any prayer in an instant, no matter how crazy it is to the human mind. But our sin creates a wall with God. Jabez knew what God was capable of, and he didn't let his "wall" prevent him from "seeing God". What specific sin is your "wall" with God? What sin has prevented you from seeing what God can do for you? How do you see God when it comes to 'answering your prayers'?

Things we can take away from Jabez:
  • When you pray, do it with a heart fully invested in the blessing of God.
  • When you pray, ask God to multiply His kingdom through you
  • When you pray, ask for more than blessings or provisions. Ask Him to lead you through any circumstance or trial that comes your way.
  • When you pray, approach God with vulnerability, and ready for Him to turn your weakness into His glory.