Tucked in the middle of long genealogies in 1 Chronicles lies the short but powerful story of a man named Jabez. His name meant “pain,” because his mother bore him in sorrow. In a culture where names often defined a person’s destiny, Jabez seemed marked from birth for a life of hardship.

But Jabez didn’t accept that as his future. Instead, he turned to the God of Israel and prayed a bold prayer:

“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 4:10, NIV)

Jabez didn’t ask for riches or fame—he asked for God’s blessing, for more territory to steward, for God’s presence to guide him, and for protection from harm and sorrow. He prayed with honesty, faith, and dependence on God.

And the most powerful part?
“And God granted what he asked.”

That single line shows the heart of God. He listens. He responds. He honors bold, faith-filled prayers. Jabez’s story reminds us that we are not trapped by our past or the names we’ve been given. God can rewrite our future when we trust Him enough to ask.