WHOSE WORD IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?

‘His mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”’

1 Chronicles 4:9 (NKJV)

 

Many of us live our lives in worry, pains, and hurts because of negative words or comments from other people. Sometimes a close relative, best friend or other loved ones. These negative comments pierce our souls and pushes us down. While some are able to shake of these comments and rise up into victory, others live and feed on these comments sometimes for life and amount to nothing; allowing those negative words to take root and grow. They also intend become negative and bitter fruits out in the world. As our topic suggest, I want to once again find out from you “Whose word is important to you? Is it people around you, or God – your Father and creator. I want to share with you a reflection from UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) on our scripture for today. It is my prayer that you will be encourage and shake off negative comments passed by people and listen rather to what the word of God says about you.

“The name Jabez means ‘pain and trouble’. Perhaps that’s why no other parent in Scripture gave their child that name. But it’s a label he refused to wear and a name he refused to be defined by. A label usually tells you what is in a bottle; its contents and even its value. And when you accept the labels people try to put on you, you start to believe that’s who you really are and that you will never become anything more than that. The Bible says, ‘As he thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).

People will use past experiences to label and limit you. They will also use your physical, mental, and emotional characteristics to label and limit you. What should you do? Do what Jabez did – go to God! In the final analysis, His opinion about your past, present, and future is the one that matters most. Plus, He loves you and has a plan for your life.

Jabez prayed a prayer that changed his life, and it will change your life too. ‘“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’ (1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV).

Jabez asked God for four things: blessing, influence, power, and protection. And God gave them to him. So, today you have a choice: believe what others say about you, or believe what God says about you. When you look at it that way, the choice is clear.”

Brethren, I believe this reflection is meant for you to start living again and live each day on God’s word and not on the words or comments of people around you. You are a Child of God and what He says about you supersedes any other comment passed by anyone around you. God loves you and you are so important to Him. Remember this always.

Shalom and Peace to you.

 

Maurice Luther

Founder, The Christian Migrant Network

thechristianmigrant@gmail.com