God Changes Story

By Tosin Lawal

Devotional Reading: 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. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10NIV

One of the beautiful attributes of God, our father, is that He is personal. God knows every one of us living on this earth. He knows us by name; hence He relates with us individually and corporately. That should strike a chord in you that you are not an accident. God knows about your coming into this world and has a beautiful plan for you. God is personal. He has a unique, jealousy-provoking relationship with every one of us, which agrees with his written word to us.

The story of Jabez appearing among the listed genealogy of Judah is not a misfit but a working of the spirit of God to teach and show us the power of engaging God on a personal level. It is a story that explains the encounter of Jabez with the almighty God, who is our father, and how God transformed his life for the better.

Now, you see, in the days that Jabez lived, it was believed among the Jews that your life and way of life is a reflection of your name. It was believed that a child would ultimately live out the name that he bears. This was so real to them and was experiential among them.

Jabez, of course, knew about this and possibly had been having dozes of pains and sorrows in his life. Think of the least and greatest doze kg pain anybody could have today. However, a reality that exists eternally among the Jews was that God is powerful to save.

The Bible recorded that Jabez called out to the God of Israel and prayed, saying: If only you would bless me, extend my border, let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will not cause any pain.” And God granted his request. Can you see that? Hallelujah.

Look, God is not far. He is real. He is experiential. He wants you to experience him. Experiential knowledge of God’s love and workings is the key to being filled with the fullness of God. If you can engage God, you will experience him. If you can engage God, you will experience his power working wonders for you.

Are you in pain of any kind? Are you struggling with hearing God on a particular matter? Are you struggling with raising your kids? What is it that you are passing through? How do you need God’s help? Engage God, be specific, keep your heads high and experience God. The beautiful thing is, God will encounter you beyond your expectations. He is real. Jabez experienced God. You will too.

Prayer and Confession
You are real and experiential Lord. You desire that I experience you daily in my engagements. I will remain focused and keep my head high for I know you are the rewarder of those who diligently seek you.

Further readings: Hebrews 11:1-6, Psalms 118, Psalms 34:8-10