How Jabez Turned His Destiny Around By Calling Upon God • Deshen Daily

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast…And God granted him that which he requested (1 Chronicles 4:9–10 KJV)

Jabez was a descendant of Judah who changed his circumstances from sorrow to honorable through a simple prayer request that God answered. So who was Jabez, and what painful circumstances forced him to call upon God?

A two-verse summary of Jabez’s life was abruptly introduced in the listing of the genealogies of Judah in 1 Chron. 4:9. His story was quite remarkable that Ezra(the supposed author of Chronicles) temporarily stopped listing names to narrate Jabez’s birth, prayer, and family status.

Though scripture is silent on many details about Jabez, it nonetheless gives us the critical information God wants us to know. The birth of Jabez caused his mother profound sorrow; she called him Jabez because of her painful delivery experience. The content of Jabez’s prayer reveals his situation was far from pleasant. He was in some form of distress, and he needed God to intervene.

Amidst the unpleasant circumstances, Jabez cried out to the Lord, making specific prayer requests, including that God would bless him, enlarge his coast and keep him from evil. Scripture says God answered Jabez’s prayer—rather than a life of sorrow, came the honor of his family. Jabez was that kid that even his parents did not expect him to turn out to be anything. Yet, he moved God through prayer to turn around his lot and astonish his family and community.

The God of Jabez is still here. As He did for Jabez, He will do for you!

Deshen Monthly Online Prayer is scheduled this Friday! Zoom details will be sent by email. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter here for Spirit-filled resources and important ministry updates.

Meditate

What do you think prompted Jabez to pray that prayer?

Apply the Word

Nothing in your past, family, or national background can condemn you to failure and misery when God is your Father. Let the Jabez anointing come over you today!