The Greatest Story, part 4

‎Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,^s saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” ¹⁰ 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. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

While many stories are found in the Greatest Story, some stories are very lengthy and detailed.  Others are very short, some even describing unnamed persons.  The story of Jabez is found in two verses tucked away in the genealogy of Judah.

We don't find in this story who Jabez is related to, and his mother is unnamed.  She gave him a name with a negative connotation of sorrow and grief. Can you imagine naming your child sorrowful or painful or crazy or foolish or stupid or lazy?  That's what this mother did.  !  Be careful of what you call your children. Call them what God calls them -- loving, kind, honest, blessed, highly favored, faithful, good ... .

Thank God that Jabez really knew he was more than what he was being called.  Whatever his life's work, whatever his needs were, wherever he might have been, Jabez called on God who heard and answered his prayer.  Today's reminder to you, wherever you are, whatever your need might be, whenever you call on God, know that He will hear and answer your prayer.  How comforting! How encouraging!