The Limit Is Broken

“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 4:9-10

Jabez entered the world under a heavy shadow, his name literally meant “pain.” In ancient times, names were more than labels; they often defined destiny. But Jabez refused to let his origin dictate his outcome.

He prayed. He didn’t accept the limits spoken over him. He called on the God who can rewrite stories.

His bold fourfold Prayer
1. “Bless me indeed.” He asked for divine favor beyond what he could earn.
2. “Enlarge my territory.” He longed for greater influence, responsibility, and opportunity.
3. “Let Your hand be with me.” He acknowledged his need for God’s guidance and strength.
4. “Keep me from harm so I will be free from pain.” He asked not only for protection, but for freedom from the very thing his name meant.

The Bible ends his story with these simple, powerful words: “And God granted his request.”

This is divine intervention responding to a sincere heart.

This is your story!
You are not your past.
You are not what life named you.
You are what God calls you.

Jabez reminds us that prayer breaks limits. When you bring your brokenness, your limitations, and your longings before God, He responds, not because of who you are, but because of who He is.

Lord, like Jabez, I ask You to bless me and enlarge my life beyond what I’ve known. Let Your hand guide me, and shield me from harm. Rewrite my story where pain once spoke loudest, and make my life a testimony of Your mercy. Amen.