Jabez was barely mentioned in the Bible. His story, along with his famous prayer, is found in 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.”
Books have been written on the prayer of Jabez. The focus is on the specifics of his requests, as they might apply to us today:
- Bless me.
- Enlarge my territory.
- Let your hand be with me.
- Keep me from harm.
- May I be free from pain.
I humbly suggest that if your study of Jabez starts with his prayer, you have missed the point completely. The critical seven words of this passage are the first seven words of this passage.
“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.”
What set Jabez apart was not the prayer of his lips, but the quality of his character. He was honorable. That is why he was blessed. And that is the message every addict needs to hear.
Recovery Step: Seek God. Live honorably. And then ask for great blessings.
