A single verse in the book of I Chronicles tells the whole story of Jabez, a man who reached high for relief from what he regarded to be a curse upon him. It was his name, Jabez, which means “Pain,” for his mother had struggled in pain at his birth.

“ ‘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.” (I Chron. 9:4)

The Bible doesn’t tell us at what time and place Jabez realized that his prayer had been answered, or how old he was when he prayed it; it tells us only the astounding news that God answered his personal prayer for pain—free and prosperous life. Why?

In Jabez’ anxiety at the possible effect of his name being a curse on his whole life, he thought that he had no control over a future of misfortune and pain. In the midst of a world only partly committed to Israel’s God, Jabez opened his life and his fears to the only Source he believed could help him, and was heard. The curse of his mother’s choice of name for him was entirely lifted.

In this single verse the writer of I Chronicles displays the work of salvation in the lives of all people. This is the God to whom Jabez prayed. Jabez had nothing to offer but the belief that Israel’s God could and would work in his behalf. Many centuries later, in Ephesians Paul wrote, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine . . . to Him be glory. . . throughout all generations.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Jesus said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20)

Here is the promise of resurrection itself. Here is the well of hope for everyone. Jabez didn’t doubt God’s power, and he asked for what he truly believed that he needed. When he received it, he knew where it came from, and never doubted.

Jesus also said, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”(Matt. 7:7) It makes a daily adventure for us, and demolishes the curse of unbelief.

Love in Him,

Prue