We’ve talked about how God loves us dearly and how He is not only willing but is also longing to redeem us. However, He knocks and waits for us to open our door (Revelation 3:20). He does not want to impose Himself on us, but rather for us to joyfully and willingly invite Him in our lives, and surrender into His loving arms.

In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, we read the story of Jabez. The name Jabez sounds like the Hebrew word for ‘pain’. His mother named him so because she had a lot of pain during the delivery. Imagine how Jabez felt when he got to know the meaning of his name, when He understood that His family associated him with pain, suffering and sorrow. Imagine His life bearing such a name– the prejudice he must have experienced everytime he introduced himself. Maybe you are in the same situation, undergoing the prejudice of something that you did not choose: a generational curse, childhood trauma or a different kind of abuse you experienced. Maybe you are being rejected and cast out of society because of some bad decisions you have made… The Bible says, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psalm 27:10) and that’s what Jabez chose to believe. He knew that no matter what, God would not reject him. With humility, Jabez came to God and asked Him for help. He prayed “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.” (1 Chronicles 4:10). And you know what is beautiful? God answered his prayer! 

Our heavenly Father loves us so much that He cannot ignore our cry to Him  for help! That’s why He sent Jesus Christ to die for us and also be the high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus understands all our pains, feelings, and sorrows (Isaiah 53:3-4) because He Himself was cast away, rejected, and betrayed by His own brothers (John 1:11). He knows exactly how it feels to be human. Today, all you need to do is to cry out to Him, acknowledge your sins and weaknesses, and ask for His help and deliverance. He is more than eager to set you free. He won’t delay. He won’t fail!

“The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people (…). I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them (…) and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey”.

– Exodus 3: 7-8