I Chronicles 4:9-10; Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”  And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.

Such a short sweet story! Who doesn’t love any story of a simple man who becomes wealthy, but look at this; The phrase “Because I bore him in pain” Literally translates, He Will Cause Pain. Come on now, what kind of mother prophesies that over her son? I can’t say people haven’t called me a pain, but to have to carry it as a name? That’s heavy! But the coolest part of this story is the fact that Jabez didn’t allow his name to determine his destiny. He called out to God for blessing, enlargement and that His hand would be upon him, that He would keep him from evil and the very best part, “that I may not cause pain!”

A name determined the future of a child in those days. Actually, names are still important, it’s just that many don’t see it that way. God changed Abrams name to Abraham (Father of many nations) because he wanted him to see himself as just that. So to be stuck with the name “He will cause pain”, would have been a very difficult thing to overcome. Yet he didn’t ask God to change his name, but to enlarge him, bless him, keep him. To me, this speaks of trust in God. Trust that regardless of the name he was stuck with, God could still determine his future.

Look what happened when Solomon asked for wisdom in 2 Chronicles 1:11; Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—”

And God did what Jabez requested. God gave him a future, a hope, he blessed him simply because he asked. So today, I encourage you to ask largely! Ask because He’s your Father and loves you. Ask so that you may be filled with joy. Ask so that you can give more, do more, love more. Ask for wisdom, favor and courage. Ask for protection. Ask for wealth, not so you can show it off, but so that you can use it to build the Kingdom, reach the lost, make disciples.

Oh Father, I’m asking for so much today. For your favor to rest on me with my employer, for my husband to be blessed financially, physically, spiritually and emotionally. For my children and grandchildren to be blessed wherever they go and whatever they do. That you would bless me indeed, enlarge my territory, keep me from evil and don’t let me be a pain to anyone. I love you Lord and I desire to be a blessing to others. I simply trust in your outstretched hand. I will hold on regardless of what I see or feel for I know you have a future and hope for me. In Jesus’ Name I ask this, Amen.