Be Honorable

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. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.   1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

These two verses have been called the prayer of Jabez and tells the story of his life. So who was Jabez? Well his name means sorrowful. His mother gave him a name to recount how difficult his birth had been. Yet, one of the first things you notice about Jabez is his character; he was a man of honor. The Bible said he was more honorable than any of his brothers. He conducted himself in a way that earned the respect of the people of the community. He didn’t allow the label imposed on him to determine who he was.

Jabez was a man of prayer. One day he went before God and asked God to bless him. He laid out his request to God. His prayer was not long but he was specific; this version is twenty-seven words long. God granted his request. So what made Jabez prayer so effective? It was a combination of what he said and who he was. This passage says that he was someone who prayed to God. He had a relationship with the God of heaven. In the context of their relationship, Jabez prayed and God answered. So if you want to get results like Jabez, you must be honorable and a person of prayer like he was. When Jabez prayed, God answered.

Thought for Today:  God rewards a life of honor

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.