Hello my dears
[Have you ever been in a space where you thought the gift of time was yours, and discovered it was not? I began writing early yesterday, a ministry colleague asked about his mid day devotion last night; and now that it’s completed, I’m hopeful that we’re back on track. Please pardon the delay!]
Years ago, before even knowing of the popular Prayer of Jabez series; there were some folks I knew who referenced persons who added stress to their lives as ‘this old Jabez’. Without thinking through the implications, I joined in the nomenclature. Ironically, his mother’s explanation adds value to that popular use of the term. Yet, it also invites us to dig beyond the surface.
Here’s today’s Holy Nougat
“And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.” 1 Chronicles 4:9 ASV
In times when many things are disposable, being saddled with the memory of a parent’s sorrow may seem minimal. Yet, in this instance, prior to the Prayer, Jabez’ name seems to define him.
Who/What defines you, and is it a positive definition? How does the definition affect you in the spaces where it matters – your heart and your awareness of your capacity to be?
To understand the prayer which followed, it is imperative that we appreciate the nuances of his pre- Story as this was ‘given’ to him, not his own choice.
Likewise, we recognize that Jabez’s story didn’t end there. The Prayer, which this descriptor precedes, is a clear indication that Jabez did not readily accept what was spoken over him. He reversed the script! When we are labeled, minimized, cast in the most disreputable light; do we accept it as given, or do we determine that that’s our pre-Story. Our pre-Story is important, it adds chronological value to our meta narrative – just ask David or Esther. It also gives an indication of what people are thinking.
We don’t have to accept that.
For ultimately, it’s what WE make of our stories Through Christ which truly impacts the meta narrative in a life affirming way.
Lord, help us rise above the flotsam of others’ (negative/derogatory) labels through Your Spirit and continue to Live!
In Christ’s love and grace
