Alt: Pastor Samuel Rodriguez emphasizes the power of praise in overcoming pain and hardship, connecting the story of Jabez with the transformative love of God.
Returning home after a week of travel and speaking engagements, I found myself facing a power outage and sweltering heat. Seeking refuge in a local coffee shop, I ordered a refreshing matcha green tea frappuccino. As I sat there, the Holy Spirit filled me with a profound message, drawing me to the story of Jabez in 1 Chronicles Chapter 4. This story became a powerful illustration of pain, praise, and the transformative power of prayer.
Managing Your Pain, Mastering Your Praise
Jabez, whose name literally means “pain,” was born after a difficult delivery. His mother’s pain became his name, a label that defined his early life. This resonates with the various types of pain we all experience – physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, familial, and financial. Pain is an undeniable part of the human experience.
Some believe that experiencing pain as a Christian signifies misalignment with God’s will. However, the Bible never states that believers are exempt from suffering. Instead, it emphasizes that God’s purpose can break through our pain. John 16:33 assures us that while we will face trials and sorrows, we can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Alt: An open Bible highlights key verses about overcoming pain through faith, emphasizing the promise of healing and God’s unwavering love.
Finding Purpose in Pain
Your current pain pales in comparison to the glory that awaits you. This truth provides solace in our darkest moments. Revelation 21:4 promises a future where tears, death, sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more. Your past pain cannot negate God’s promises for your future. There is purpose behind the pain, and for believers, pain has an expiration date.
While acknowledging the deep impact of trauma, we must not use our past as a justification for sinful behavior. While psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for healing, any therapy suggesting permanent woundedness contradicts God’s Word. Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 declare that by Jesus’ stripes, we are healed. This healing is not a future event but a present reality.
Alt: A raised hand symbolizes the act of surrendering pain to God and embracing the healing power of faith and praise.
The Healing Power of Praise
God reminded me to share a message of healing. A healing wave is coming, bringing restoration to our minds, bodies, relationships, reputations, joy, peace, dreams, and thoughts. Believe in God’s healing power and praise Him for it. Isaiah 58:8 promises that our wounds will quickly heal.
This message is especially relevant for younger generations who have faced unique challenges. They are destined for greatness and will change the world. Despite experiencing trauma, their testimonies are powerful. They must remember that their identity is not defined by trauma but by a powerful testimony. Their anointing is greater than their anxiety, their faith is bigger than their fear, and their heavenly destination surpasses any earthly hell they’ve endured.
Breaking Generational Curses
Unresolved parental pain can impact future generations. Jabez carried his mother’s pain. But God intervened. Today is the day to break free from inherited pain, anger, and destructive patterns. 2 Corinthians 3:17 declares that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. This is the day to shed the baggage of previous generations.
Alt: Broken chains symbolize the breaking of generational curses and the freedom found through faith in Jesus Christ.
Identify the sources of inherited pain. Whether it’s addiction, anger, or religious trauma, break free from these chains. Your children will not inherit your pain but your praise. They will witness your strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Power of a New Name
Jabez prayed for God’s blessing and an expansion of his territory, ultimately seeking relief from pain. He yearned to be defined not by his mother’s label but by God’s transformative power. You, too, will be known not by what you’ve endured or caused but by what Jesus has done for you. Your name is not pain, but praise; not defeat, but victory; not bondage, but freedom; not hate, but love; not wickedness, but righteousness; not addiction, but anointing; not brokenness, but blessedness; not victim, but victor.
Embrace the power of praise. Let your praise be louder than your pain. As you do, you will experience the transformative love of God and break free from the chains of the past.
