Jabez was honorable above his brothers; but his mother named him Jabez [sorrow maker], saying, Because I bore him in pain. Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 AMP
How many of you have experienced pain, shame, or abuse at the hands or the words of another? Was it a family member, a so-called friend, an authority figure, or a stranger? Jabez was a good man, but he bore the shame of a name that cursed his life. Have you ever felt that the sin and shame of your life before you knew Jesus was just too much, too bad to overcome, and you are doomed to a disappointing and less-than-wonderful life?
Jabez was a man of increase! He knew the one thing it would take to overcome his shameful name. He cried to God; He called upon the name of the Lord! He knew the One Who was greater than any other name. He wanted a blessed life, a life of increase, and a life of protection from more pain. He cried to God, and God heard him!
For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved.
Romans 10:13 AMP
I life surrendered to Him will be a life of increase for you! He will bless you; He will enlarge your border, your territory, your area of influence; His hand will be with you; He will keep you from evil; and He will hear your prayers. It doesn't matter where you come from, what you've done, or who you've done it with. It doesn't matter what someone said to you or what someone said about you. It doesn't matter what your past looks like. Today is the day of salvation! Today is the day to call upon the Lord! Today is the day to make Him your Lord!
Today is the day that you move forward, and press on past the pain, disappointment, shame, and abuse of the past. Today is the day that you cry to the Lord. He will hear you, and He will grant your request for blessings, increase, and protection!
Scriptures for reference and study: Psalm 27:10; Ephesians 1:21; Philippians 2:9; John 14:12-14; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Philippians 3:14
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