The Man Called Jabez: Pulling Heaven in One Breath.

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Hello MCGI Cares Hive Family. It's another beautiful day for us to be up and grateful to God. Today, I want to share with us a message of hope. Be blessed.

Have you ever wondered if God truely cares for you? O you are not alone. I was was a doubter until I carefully read the story of Jabez. 👇

The story of Jabez recorded in 1 Chronicles 4 vs 9 is like an episode out of the blue. The chapter started as a chronology of the family line of Judah—one man begat another, but who begat Jabez? He pops out in the ninth verse a “more honorable fellow than his brothers”.

It could be that Jabez’ father had passed away, probably when he was still in the womb. It is mentioned that Jabez’ mother “bore him with sorrow”. She must have lacked adequate care from her inlaws or family.
Jabez's story has invoked sympathy and bears a testament of God's mercy and goodwill towards the poor. In all indications, Jabez and his brothers must have had a rough and tough life but how come Jabez became more honorable than his brothers? It can only point to one fact—his character. So let's consider some instances:

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Jabez's honorableness is a reflection of a man of noble character. His mother literally named him “Sorrow”, for that's the meaning of Jabez, – a name that suggests brokenness, pity, and perhaps shame. But Jabez wasn't broken, at least he didn't let himself be. His name didn't define his life or destiny.
While his brothers may have chosen dishonorable means to an end, Jabez chose to call out for help– God's help– and that's a noble thing to do. When life sqeezes in on you, to choke hope out of you, a cry for help can be your only option – your only way out.

Jabez didn't just pray, and hope that some random spirits or powers would stop by. Nay, he prayed to Yahweh, the God of Israel. There is a God that answers prayer— His name is Yahweh, the Almighty God.

No details is given about Jabez's early life, and I'm sure it was really good. But the young man figured out that if his life was to have any meaning and purpose it would be by God's intervention. Hardwork alone may not guarantee his breakout, so it was a wise decision to call on God for help.

I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.(Ecclesiastes 9 vs 11)
So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9 vs 16)

Jabez was a man of faith. His prayer was brief, simple, sincere, and straight to the point–he didn't beat about the bush. He told God everything he wanted in one breath —and God granted him his request.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, don't use vain repititions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:6-7)
Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.(Mark 11 vs 24)

The content of Jabez’s prayer is a study for another day. Also, his later life after the prayer is not recorded in the Bible. But his story is a clear lesson and a message we can hold on to, that Jehovah is a God of mercy, goodwill and hears the prayer of those who call on Him from a sincere heart.

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May God strengthen your heart in difficult times, and shine His light on you to clear your path, and give you direction in Jesus Name. Amen.

Thank you for reading to the end🤗