Two days ago, I had the joy of talking to a Pastor, who is now up there in years. He had just preached a message Sunday, even after having gone through some serious health issues. But, he is a “tough old bird,” and of course, he returned to his pulpit.

We talked about his message Sunday… “Jabez… A Child Named Pain or Sorrow…” That was Jabez. I knew the story, but the “anointing was on the phone,” as he painted a picture of a child called Jabez, meaning “pain or sorrow.” Even though his mother had a hard time in delivery, she gave this child a name that humiliated him, and caused him to feel “worthless.” Imagine the children saying “There is that kid called ‘sorrow,’ let’s not hang around him!” He was rejected and isolated…

All his life he was miserable, thinking that he had caused pain, even though the Bible says that he was “more honorable than his brethren.” His mother treated him like that too… until one day, something happened…

He called on “the God of Israel” to change his life… He was still stuck with the name, but he was not stuck to that pain! God sent a blessing when he prayed this prayer… “Oh, that thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me…” And, God granted that which he requested!

Maybe you have had a “bum rap” in your life… perhaps you think it was due to one of your parents, but you don’t have to stay in “pain and sorrow!” God will turn your life around, 360 degrees, and bless you “from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet!!!” Just ask Him!!!

Have a great day, “thou blessed of the Lord!”

Sherry