That You Would Bless Me

1 Chronicles 4.9-10: Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez 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.


The Bible says that Jabez – birthed in pain – was more honorable than his brothers. I wonder - is there a connection between pain and honor? If so, what is there about pain that could lead to honor? I thought of several possible responses to pain which would help focus us and thus bring about honor: Purification... Prioritization... Prayer... Courage... Tenacity... Empathy

Of all these, prayer seems to be the response that brought Jabez to his place of being honorable. Pain taught Jabez to cry out to the Lord. God heard his cry and granted Jabez’ request to:

• Bless him
• Enlarge his territory
• Guide him with his hand
• Keep him from harm
• Free him from pain

When I read this story, a prayer welled up from deep within me: “Bless me, O God!” As I come out of my own valley of pain, may you birth in me such honor and integrity that you can entrust me with...

• Your blessing – oh for your presence and anointing on my ministry!
• Greater responsibility – an enlarged territory for greater harvest and more praise to God.
• More influence on the lives of young ministers and growing lay people.
• Opportunity to love people and care for them in greater ways.
• Making your covenant known to me (Psalm 25.14) – guide me with your hand to where I should go.
• Keeping me from harm as well as my family, my friends, my church, my community.
• Freedom for the painful trials I endure – no ill-effects such as residual bitterness or lack of trust or hardened heart.

God granted Jabez his request as he called out from his pain. May God grant your requests as you call out to him as well.