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.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

“So God granted him what he requested.” How awesome would it be if God could grant ‘all’ our requests which we place before Him in prayer!!! Before we begin fantasizing, let us look at the previous scripture. “There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful.” 1 Chronicles 4:9.

Needless to say, every childbirth is painful. But what was so painful about this childbirth, that Jabez’s mother chose to name him Jabez (meaning pain)??? Maybe Jabez had a physical deformity, or perhaps when Jabez was born, his dad passed away…. whatever we assume it to be… one thing was for sure…. the life of this young boy was painful. 

And, God narrates the story of Jabez in verse 9, that he was more honorable than all his brothers!!! The reason why he was more honorable, can be  understood from the prayer that he made. If you look at his prayer closely, it comes from a heart that had learnt to accept what God had allowed in his life and made the plea, not questioning his past, but to bless his future. And “So, God granted him what he requested”.

The reason why God allows certain pain in our lives remains a mystery and known to the divine wisdom alone. But, “The prayer made from the place of pain is certainly heard by God and blessings will surely spring forth in place of the heart aches and tears”

Rightly said by King David in Psalm 90 verse 15:

“Cause us to rejoice according to the days Wherein Thou hast afflicted us, The years we have seen evil.” Psalm 90:15

Whatever it is that you are going through, let your hope be in JESUS who will assuredly “CAUSE YOU TO REJOICE” for all the affliction you have been through!!!

Have a lovely month ahead!!!