Name Change

“His mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”” (1 Chronicles 4:9)

Jabez was marked. The meaning of his name, “he will cause pain,” tagged him with every mention: “Jabez, you are one who will (always) cause pain!” But Jabez didn’t follow the prediction laid out by his birth name; instead, he called upon the Lord, asking that the negative prophetic pronouncement over his life be changed . . . asking God to change the nature predicted by a parent’s careless prophecy. In asking, Jabez was bold. He asked for the opposite of the original mark. He asked for a life marked by the Lord’s hand:   

            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!” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

In Bible times, names linked individuals to destiny. The name change Jabez requested included a transfusion of God’s plan into his nature, a sovereign replacement of his mother’s choice in naming him. God’s answer meant the opposite of harm for Jabez—blessed, enlarged, and kept by God from evil, kept by God from causing pain!

Concerning a life that is on a wrong course for any reason—because of a parent or surrounding conditions, whatever—if asked, God will do the work. The possibilities are limitless; in fact, there are no limits whatsoever! All things are possible! 

Amen. 

1 Chronicles 4:9 | Mark 9:23, KJV | Verses@Once