The Book of 1 Chronicles 4:9–10 says, “Now Jabez was more honourable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!’ So God granted him what he requested.”
There are many people who have chosen names for themselves because of the situation, trouble, confusion and pain they are going through now. The name Jabez meant pain, but the bearer prayed for God’s intervention. When he realised the story behind his name, he prayed to God and God granted his request. God Almighty Himself renamed people and after such change came a new life, a new direction, a new focus, a new way, a new purpose and a new hope for their lives. The name Jacob was first given but was later changed to Israel by God for destiny’s fulfilment. Many biblical characters had their names changed before they could worship or relate to their God. Their names became prayer points because they underwent a life-changing spiritual transformation. They experienced God’s goodness and favour in the face of life’s challenges. May your God be known, worshipped and praised, in the name of Jesus!
As a child of God, your name must be affiliated with God. Your name is your identity; it must be who you are. Christians were named because of their Christ-like nature. By their fruit, they were known and it was revealed who they were. For you to be able to scale through this year, 2024, you need to let go of offence, pain of the past, unforgiveness and everything that is not good before God. Let your relationship with God today be taken to another level, another dimension, because God Almighty has given you a new name. Because of Christ Jesus, your name is sweet, lovely, beautiful, wonderful, blessed, gracious and joyous. Declare this and see the Lord make your year the same!
Prayer: Ask God to anoint your heart so that you may continue to do good and walk in His light.