From Pain to Purpose: Thankful for Jabez’s Guidance

Jabez is one of the first influencers of his time that has transcended into this current social media climate. Instead of succumbing to the “Cancel Culture” because of the label of being known as a “Pain”, he changed the trajectory of his life through a powerful tool – he found his voice to implore the God of Israel. He truly managed a crisis by making an intentional action through humbly, sincerely, and persistently asking God.

Jabez was born and was named by his mother as Pain. Have you ever felt that you are a pain or have others said you are a pain in my life? Can you imagine the life led by Jabez for many years known as a pain. But Jabez kept focus and faith in the God of Israel. Jabez continued and I am reminded to not grow weary in well-doing in due season you can reap if you faint not. Can you imagine that heartfelt prayer and plea that Jabez put out there before the God of Israel the only one and true God. Jabez just wanted something different and wanted to be different. So, humbly came before the Lord and the God of Israel granted his request. How many of us need to leave it all out there in prayer and just go before God with a ask. What is your heart’s desire? God will grant it just Ask. Just be real with God. It is time to be free indeed in 2023!

Jabez removed the stigma to move from living a life of pain into realizing a powerful purpose through a faithful prayer from his heart to GOD, likewise we need to do the same so the reality of being free indeed in 2023 can be our manifested reality. AMEN INDEED. Selah & Shalom.

From Pain to Purpose how Jabez changed the trajectory of his life the process of living in God’s gift of grace.

Some of the C.P.R. +N.O.W. pathway I received when reviewing Jabez life as an influencer and prayer warrior:

C = Crisis

Pregnancy – Mom declared that Jabez should be known as pain – he was labeled from birth a name that carried a negative connotation.

Push – Through an excruciating circumstance Jabez’s mom experience tremendous arduous labor pain where her only option is to push through the pain in order to give birth to new life.

Pain – A mother’s agony recognized as a painful time and journey that needed to be documented and declared as she spoke into existence her seed to be known as birthed out of pain by naming him Jabez.

P = Pivot

Prayer – Jabez realized that only God of Israel could create a change for him, and he was desperate to obtain that difference – he needed a breakthrough to get out of what was spoken over his life to what he envisioned his life could and should be. This hope for life could only come from a relationship with God and through Jabez’s faith he knew the source of life could only come from GOD. So, he prayed! He intentionally, humbly, and earnestly implored the Lord.

Purpose – Jabez must have had a yearning for something better and different than what he had been experiencing prior to his request made to the God of Israel. Jabez had to have seen a new and improved outcome for his life’s journey. He had specific asks and therefore, had truly written out the vision of his heart in a manner where he could articulate his goals to God in a prayer. Do we have a passionate prayer and breathing of our heart that drives us to have something different, better, and new? What is it that wakes us daily and is what we think about constantly. Have we laid it out there in a prayer to our God who can implement the ask of our heart? I read one person reflect that Jabez shared the “breathings of his heart” in the prayer intercession he puts before God. What are we breathing out – what is the exhale from our lungs that pushes us to the purpose we desire to have fully manifested and visionally realized?

Pivot – The lightbulb moment in a crossroad where we decide to go to the familiar versus the unknown promise. Here we stand at the intersection of our life choices where we can choose this day life or death. Will we continue on a path of commonplace, uninspired, and dearth OR will we through faith move in a new direction called MORE ABUNDANT LIFE? The choice is ours. The risk is believing in God’s word for our life and trusting it to be truth.

R = Rebirth

Poignant/Process – Even when we pivot into the next level paradigm it is not without a process that is challenging. There are obstacles, failures, and roadblocks that come when we determine to live different, be different, think different, speak different, and act different. It is not easy to move from Pain to Purpose while still in Pain. Healing is a process and wholeness is a promise that comes through maturity.

Pathway – Today is the day we shall rejoice and walk in a new path. It is awesome to know that our resident Holy Spirit leads us into knowledge, understanding, and wisdom so that we will not flail out of control into a rugged, full of potholes, and rocky path. The light of God’s word helps us find the vision for our life’s journey and faith walk. Truth is constant and only obtained from faith in God and His word. This is the path of one sojourning from pain to purpose. It may not be easy…. basically, it is not easy to get free or freed, but it is worth it to pursue with all diligence a fervent passion of our heart.

Praise/Power – With everything in me I give you praise. Praise is key in the midst of change. David in all of his failing and faults knew how to turn his focus back onto the God of his love and praise God. Praise and worship lead to the glory of God being revealed in the atmosphere. The anointing of the Lord engulfs everything when we intimately reside in an environment of praise. This is the day that my Lord has made so I will rejoice and be glad in it! I trust you God and I adore you because you are God who wants only my good and best life ever here on earth as it is reflected in heaven. I choose to praise you while moving from Pain to Purpose while still in pain. God, I thank you! There is power when we purpose our heart, mind, voice, actions, our total life to praise God. Nothing can alter the momentum of promise when we focus and hold on tightly to worshipping the love of our life who loves us to life. If God is for us who or what can be against us? NOTHING Separates us from God’s love towards us! Lord, we give you praise. I tend to believe Jabez breathed out not only a prayer but more importantly a new song of his heart towards the God he adores. He sung out a pleasing lyric of faith, promise, hope, and trust that God who he believed in would and could provide the ending for his award-winning song. God did it too! The ending lyric was God granted Jabez request. Faith Speaks and it is so.!

Position – Part of Jabez request is to have his sphere of influence expanded. Expand my borders he asked of God. The kicker is even now Jabez impact is known worldwide. Through the novel of Internet our borders can expand. We have a voice and influence miles away from our current geographic residence by just a click of a button on our computer, phone, tablet, and whatever technology we have access to in order to spread our message, mission, and vision. Jabez is a trendsetter and showed us how to make our request known and realized. He was one of the first to be a social influencer with millions of followers. I am definitely hitting “LIKE” by this scriptural post. The new posture of his life was now recreated from being a pain into being a pusher of promise. Jabez was able to present a way we can all achieve a new beginning simply by reviewing what he did, how he did, and incorporate similar principles into our own action plan for change. Realize there is no magic trick to achieve a promise hope for, but Jabez prayer – it is an example of one person’s journey through a fervent heart rendering prayer petition to the God he loved and knew could change his life.

People – Why do we do what we do? What is the reason for our existence and why do we carry on in this life? There is a reason for our why and it is to be an impact. To leave a legacy that cultivates your passionate purpose. What is your why and drive? What do you dwell on daily? This reason for our life is all interconnected and boils down to our neighbor. Neighbor meaning humankind. God created us for each other to ultimately love each other as He loves us. This is truly a challenge when so much wants to pervert and prevent God’s original plan for people. Ultimately coexisting through a positive manner is key. Peace is desired. Love is needed. All of this is wrapped up into our focus on someone other than ourselves. People we need each other. That is why I believe so many our crying out and dying out without realizing there can be better. Some folks take their lives because of lack of a human and humane touch in their life. We have to blaze a path of love and purpose realizing that our legacy doesn’t matter if our significance has not made a difference in another’s life. “It’s all about the people ~ people (smile) lol!”

Purpose – Jabez got from pain to purpose while in pain because of the passion of his prayer that tied to the outcome of his “hoped for desire.” Again, we must ask what is our why and why do we breathe? What we desire in our heart is placed there from the beginning of our life – actually God knew and knows us before we were a seed in our mother’s womb. There is a certain path we can choose to take that will lead to better. I know that part of my purpose through The Thankful Revolution is to share God’s word that we can have life and that life (our life) more abundant here on earth as it is in heaven. Although, we experience C.P.R. moments it all is there to lead us into the N.O.W. The Crisis journey leads us to the Pivot in our pathway where we can enter into a shift for next-level living called Rebirth. All of this creates a powerful, overcoming testimony that impacts all N.O.W. where New-Beginnings is OUR Witness!

As I was marinating on this message and shared with my son in a mini–Bible Study; he gave me a truth that resonates powerfully, “It’s not just about being blessed but to be utilized by God holds a grave responsibility. The question is HOW DO WE HANDLE THE BLESSING AND WHAT DO WE DO WITH OUR BLESSINGS?” Thank you, Lionel D. Stevens (son), for this reminder for why we are here to exists as a blessing for others.

Thank you Jabez for guiding us into one way we can become an agent of change, disrupter, and person who can move from pain to purpose while in pain. You truly are a platinum influencer of the Gospel of Good News that we need to distribute in whatever medium, platform, and channel now and forevermore!

Jabez had his personal C.P.R. moment that moved him into a N.O.W. phase on his journey. He truly acquired a New-Beginnings is OUR Witness. We are still reminiscing on the attributes found in the scripture text. A few but powerful sentences depict a man desperate to be delivered. Jabez sought to be blessed, have an enlargement of his territory, be free from harm, evil, and pain. He truly needed God to do this on his behalf. AND the great news is God Granted Jabez Request. Jabez progressed into a grand testimony that everyone witnessed and is still witnessing today. HIs words have actively influenced others to take a chance and put in action for their own lives the principles he shared. Prayer changes things. The fervent prayer of the righteous availed much. It is key that before the prayer was shared the text mentions that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. He carried a reputation of being respectable and basically righteous before the sight of God. Therefore, when he took his shot and came Boldy to the throne of grace with an inquiry, God said yes, my good and faithful servant I got your back and will give you what you ask. You are aligned with what I desired for you to have anyway. So, here you go, and I give you my blessings too.

It is nice to be able to testify of goods goodness and know we can acquire a New Beginning. All we have to do is ask for it, seek God, and knock at His door, then the prayers can go out and prosper where it is sent to…to prosper, to grow, to be heard, and answered. Amen INDEED! N.O.W.

New International Version – I Chronicle 4:9-10 is the background text.

⁹ Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,^[a] saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” ¹⁰ 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.

I have recently been asking God to show me more of him through the scriptures and remind me of those who have come before me that may not be so known or always talked about in sermons or preaching messages. Well, what God showed me recently was a reminder of Jabez. Now, there are many who are reminded of “The Prayer of Jabez” that garnered popularity in Christian world. Many read a book that highlights how this prayer is a powerful affirmation and avenue for ones life to get a breakthrough to a blessing.

I was compelled to review the text that is listed in the genealogy “Family Tree” listing in the text. I thought this must be significant because in the middle of the listing of names in this lineage is a few scriptural sentences defining who Jabez was based on his mother’s rendition that he was a Pain – she had a painful birth. Therefore, she named him Jabez that means Pain. Then right after the account of his mother we see Jabez going before the God of Israel in a earnest plea to change his circumstances. He wanted to move from Pain to Purpose. He desired to be free indeed of any shackles that his name warranted. He sought a new outcome for his future and through his relationship with the God of Israel by faith he laid it on the line.

I can relate because my name – Miriam – means BitterSweet in Hebrew. So, I have learned through my personal trials that there is an accompanying triumph. I have asked God to move me from pain to purpose and in 2023 be free indeed in all aspects of Mental Health and Wellness. I want a total overhaul inside and out so that my mind, body, soul, and spirit is aligned with the true purpose that God anointed me to exist in even from my birth mother’s womb. Jeremiah speaks on how God knows us and wants us to have a wonderful future one that is hoped and longed for as indicated in the following text:

I truly believe God has placed in my heart the desire to scribe, write, proclaim good news messaging and He confirms this daily in my life. I am driven to declare a positive word that makes a difference and can change the trajectory of one’s life – beginning with me first and then spilling over in the words I write or speak from The Thankful Revolution and any other works I present. I pray that I can be like Jabez who even though he may have had a not so desirable name given at birth or from birth; through his dedicated and persistent relationship with the God of Israel; he was confident and driven to seek God’s face while He could be found. Jabez received an answer to his prayer. I believe we can too. All we must do is ASK!

I have been listening to a podcast of interest referring to Jabez so, I will include the information of the podcase in this post click the link to hear more: https://scribl.com/books/P7FDE/jabez-conceived-in-pain-delivered-in-victory#download

Isn’t it time to get to that new place – the better place – the place in our lives of promise and hope that is greater than any experience we have imagined or hoped for previously? I desire all of that and pray you and I get that in this day and year. Peace be unto you! ~ love Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8

I ask the Lord God to create in me a new heart a changed heart so that I may not sin against Him. I really desire that I experience an awesome relationship with the Lord God in such a manner that His glory is revealed and we all can have a beautiful existence in this life and beyond.

Also, just to let you know, GOD LOVES YOU just the way you are and HE desires you to come to HIM just the way you are so that you can have life and that life more abundantly without shame, hindrance, or belittlement. He has made a way for liberation to be yours 24-7. How you may ask?

Well, let me offer you this information below:

John 14:6-7 The Message Version

^6-7 Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You’ve even seen him!”Is not it time to live free, be free, and thrive as a free person in 2023 & beyond?

John 14:6-7 The Voice Version

Jesus: ⁶ I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. ⁷ If you know Me, you know the Father. Rest assured now; you know Him and have seen Him.

I think being unshackled to live a better to the best life ever is the main objective for me. It has come with the revelation that life is always changing and I must change or “go with the flow” as well. Change is inevitable and should be welcomed. Sometimes to pursue purpose means to take a dare or risk on an unknown. Often that unknown creates an opportunity to be released into a greater realm of the living. A new journey and a new perspective. By refocusing on health and wellness, mental enhancement, and spiritual fortitude – I want to reach something different in my life where I can see freedom exuding from every pour of my existence. Freedom to flourish is my aim.

I think about how the first step of my personal freedom was an acceptance that with Christ as my redeemer I can do all things and be all things and overcome all things as He did.He who the Son sets free is free indeed!

John 8:34-38 The Message Version

^34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn’t yet penetrated your thick skulls. I’m talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father.”

If you don’t know about Christ or why I subscribe to faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior then I will extend the offer for you to get to know Him for yourself. It is your choice. You will answer one way or the other for the choice you make here on earth – as we all will. So, the following information provides just a few suggestions, scriptures, and a prayer to help you move into a closer realm of understanding of what Christ is all about and can be about for you.

What is C.P.R. + N.O.W. mean to me and anyone who reviews this message?I think humanity is at a code blue status and is about to flatline into a death crisis if we do not pivot so, we need to have a recussitation stat or we will cease to exists!

C.P.R. -> Crisis Pivot Rebirth 

(N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness)

Subscribe to The Thankful Revolution The Thankful Revolution – N.O.W. equals New-Beginnings is Our Witness!

Isn’t it time for you, me, all of us to live our best lives! Let’s shift it into gear for next-level living where we are actually obtaining the “hoped for good” in our lives. Time for us to achieve the bucket list of goals we once thought were so far off and removed from our grasps. We can and will do this one step at a time, one dream realized at a time, one conversation at a time can spark the fire needed to fuel our promise fulfillment! Amen INDEED!

Let the conversations ensue and the shifting manifest into a tangible reality for our next-level transformation into what we were born to do – live life and that life MORE Abundant here on earth as it is in heaven.

The Thankful Revolution rejoices with you and looks forward to continuing to encourage, edify, educate, and inspire as we traverse along our life’s pathway and choices.  Enjoy the journey! Shalom to all!

Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed  Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 (TIME for a next-level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time. 

Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.”

Check out Our Blog: https://thethankfulrevolution.com/blog/ 

P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Below provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter sometimes with God He always sweetens your steps. Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8.

HERE I AM LORD, HELP ME TO CHANGE INTO THE PERSON YOU BIRTHED ME INTO EXISTENCE TO BECOME. ALLOW MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE (OUTLOOK AND THOUGHTS) BECOME NEW. LET ME KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU ARE GOD AND IF I TRULY TRUST YOU THEN I CAN BE LIBERATED – BASICALLY SET FREE TO LIVE A LIFE HERE ON EARTH LIKE YOU DESIRE ME TO EXIST FOR AN ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN. HELP ME TO VIEW YOU CLEARLY WITH A STEADFAST FOCUS! I ASK THAT ANY OBSTACLE THAT HAS HINDERED ME BEFORE OR IN MY FUTURE BE REMOVED SO THAT I CAN OBTAIN THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE FOR ME TO LIVE IN PEACE, LOVE, STRENGTH, POWER, AND FEARLESSLY. THANK YOU FOR EQUIPPING ME WITH ALL THAT I NEED (HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS AS MY SAVIOR) TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THIS LIFE’S JOURNEY. I AM GRATEFUL, HUMBLED, AND WILLING TO BE YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT. I AM HERE AND ASK FOR YOUR HELP EVERY SINGLE DAY. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME AND PROVIDING ALL THAT I HAVE NEED FOR ACCORDING TO YOUR RICHES IN HEAVEN. AMEN (SO BE IT)!