TURN OFF THOSE LABELS.

1Ch 4:9 Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 1Ch 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.

Jabez labored under the stigma of a bad name with a negative connotation. His mother called him Jabez because when the time was due for his birth, the birth pain were excessive. Although all children are born with sorrow, sorrow is afterwards forgotten. But this sorrow must have been so extraordinary that it was even remembered when Jabez was of age.

But the same child who almost caused the death of his dear mother became more honorable than his brothers. Jabez prayed a personal prayer asking God for his blessings. Jabez prayed that God’s hands be with him and that he be kept away from all evil. Jabez took his walk with God seriously and God answered his prayers. By divine grace, what was negative became positive; he excelled above all his brothers.

In our daily life , people are constantly sticking labels on us . Many of us have been told what we cannot become. Instead of speaking faith and encouragement ,some put negative labels on us with the aim of preventing us from reaching our highest potential. If you dwell on them long enough, they will take root in you. Like Jabez, we can turn off every negative label through prayer.

Further readings:
Gen 32:28
Isa 62: 4
Jer 30:17

🙏 Blessed Weekend 🙏