Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested. I Chronicles 4: 9, 10

I walked quiet, sterile halls with no avail for our first born, had an epidural the next morning, and spent a week in the hospital to adjust to the demands of motherhood. If only they’d taught me how to put a onesie on him! With our second child, my labor was induced, and I was home in less than a day. Our third made his arrival on a Super Bowl Sunday; so, I was begging both my doctor and my husband for care. I would’ve gladly taken leave of their game and had a half-time.  
     Birth stories. We often share our experiences, fears, concerns, and shame with even strangers. Pain unites us—it brings us to tears, laughter, and indignation. We share our pickle cravings, Braxton Hicks, race to the hospital, and back seat births. And our humiliating communication faux pas. No! He’s not my boyfriend, or worse yet, my son, “He’s my husband!”  
     We give birth in pain but forget when our child is placed in our hands. 
     Once-upon-a-time, a mother recalled her labor and named her son Jabez “because I bore him with pain.” Their story changed lives. Jabez sought the Lord! He remembered his difficult birth and God’s hand of protection on his mother and himself. And he requested God’s help! Bless me. Enlarge my border. Might your hand be with me and keep me from harm that I may be pain free! 
     In Hebrew, the word used for “bless” is derived from the noun “knee.” Blessings come to those who kneel in awe and humility. We are bent and broken to be blessed and to be a blessing. God hears our desperate cries for help. He not only rescues us, but He extends our boundaries. He gifts us with purpose. The hard, fallow ground must be tilled, the fields plowed and planted.        
     The benefit of the blessing goes both ways! God’s name is honored, made known and blessed, while He leads and keeps His hand of protection upon us. In Hebrew, the word for “keep” in this verse conveys resolve, distinct purpose and responsibility. We are not “kept” to sit still. 
     We must fight to finish what God has called us to do so that evil and adversity don’t harm us. Unwholesome thoughts and deeds leave their mark and hinder our walk; however, even good and healthy things or activities can become a stumbling block. We fall hard; bruise and hurt. Pain, physical and emotional, causes anger, grief, and more injury. But God! He gathers us close. He calls for unity and reconciliation. We must follow, labor, carve or fashion, and tidy and trim. Rebuild shoulder to shoulder. Intimacy with God and man is had when our work is complete. Oh! And after the hard labor—there is the feast. To “keep” is to journey with one another and celebrate at the finish! 
     I recall my first earnest Jabez prayer as my youngest toddler clung to my skirt in a small Bible study. It would take decades before I understood its full meaning. Maybe you’ve never prayed the Jabez Prayer before. At the start of a new school year, it seems appropriate to bow in respect and humility and seek God’s blessing. Expect. Receive. Commit to the work He sets before you. May your borders for Him be enlarged. Unite. Repair. Defend. Complete. Feast. Trust in His plans and bring honor to His name.

Bearing fruit,

Lily Mae