It was my turn to lead out in worship at our weekly leadership training, and I decided to share the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9, 10. As I read the verses to the group and shared some thoughts, our friends were especially intrigued by the last part of the prayer: “. . . keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” The reason for this request is given in the previous verse: “. . . his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’”
Jabez, which means “pain” or “he causes pain,” is not exactly a name to be envied. Jabez could have submitted to this name, but he chose not to. He prayed that he would not cause pain, and God granted his request.
Some of my listeners became excited. Most people here have at least two first names; a French name and a traditional name in their mother tongue. This traditional name is often connected to the circumstances of their birth. There are names like “shower” or “road” for those who were born in those places, or names like “wonderful life.” But there are also names like “run away from them!” or “she who dies young.” Kids grow up believing that their name determines their fate in life, so it was very inspiring for them to read a biblical example of someone who defied his negative name and asked God to take charge of his destiny. Their smiles and nods spoke louder than words: We don’t need to be prisoners to our names!
Our God is not limited by the names our parents give us. He has wonderful plans for His children. If we trust Him, He will guide our paths to heaven, where He will give us a new, beautiful name!

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