1 Chron 4:9, Jam 1:3-4, Roms 3, 2 Chronicles 26, Prov 3, Ps 51:10-13

Obii Pax-Harry

"And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying.."

Jabez, one of several sons was named after his mother's bad experience in childbirth. His mother had so much pain whilst having him that he was named Jabez for she said, "I bore him in pain" (1 Chron 4:9). Imagine what he would have gone through trying to fulfil his destiny with "Pain" as his name. Every time his name was mentioned pain rather than joy filled people's memory. But the Bible recognised an important quality in his character. He was an honourable man, more honourable than his brothers. No wonder the devil tried to end his life before it began by attacking his mother with a difficult birth that left her traumatised. Trauma causes dislocation in a person leaving gaps in their personality make up. The devil all that time ago wanted to attack Jabez's destiny by causing a dislocation in his personality but he failed! Jabez's honourable character was recognised in the Bible narrative. Jabez figured out that if he allowed his mother's sorrow to mould his life he could miss his destiny. He prayed a powerful prayer for expansion of his territory and for God to protect him from causing pain. He desired to nullify the confession of his mother's heart when she bore him, and longed to break out fear of causing pain to people. God granted him what he requested. God is waiting to hear from you today; to receive your heart's petition concerning issues in your life you want to see renamed by the transforming power of God. Although some trouble can be used by God to shape you into his perfect will, God will give you deep peace to know he is with you all the way (Jam 1:3-4). So, quit trying to prove your innocence to everyone, rather step into the spiritual moulds prepared for you by the blood of Jesus. It is time to redesign areas of your life that the devil has tried to reshape with trouble. The time has come for you to fulfil your destiny. Quit feeling sorry for yourself and rename your condition or state of mind today. Stop trying to get things right in your own strength but instead seek the transforming power of Jesus Christ that remoulded and reshaped your life in the first place. The blood of Christ repositioned your life from that of a sinner to one of righteousness of God through Christ (Roms 3:20-21). Perfectionists often miss out God in their bid to be perfect but today the Lord is speaking into your heart to trust him in all your ways and he will direct your paths.

Further Scripture Reading: Roms 3, 2 Chronicles 26, Prov 3, Ps 51:10-13

Prayer: Lord I thank you for the finished work of the cross. I thank you Lord for my freedom in Christ to pursue my destiny. Amen