Pain played a principle role in shaping the life and spiritual success of Jabez.

The Message Bible sums it up well:

Jabez was a better man than his brothers, a man of honor. His mother had named him Jabez (Oh, the pain!), saying, “A painful birth! I bore him in great pain!” Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: “Bless me, O bless me! Give me land, large tracts of land. And provide your personal protection—don’t let evil hurt me.” God gave him what he asked.

Don’t resent pain. Pray the “Prayer of Jabez” as a springboard to spiritual blessing and conquest.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, forgive us for having such narrow, limiting sight when we experience pain in this life. Stir us to pray boldly like Jabez did, and grace us to begin walking in fresh, expanded blessing and spiritual conquest … all in the name of Jesus.

READING: 1 Chron. 4-6