Breaking Through the Barrier of Shame!
Shame is one of the greatest barriers to personal growth and true self-expression. It can weigh on our hearts and minds, trapping us in cycles of regret, guilt, and self-limitation. The story of Jabez offers a powerful illustration of how faith can help us overcome shame and open the door to a life of greater freedom and purpose.
The Story of Jabez
The name “Jabez” means sorrow, pain, or shame. His mother named him this because of the difficult circumstances surrounding his birth. Yet, Jabez refused to let that label define him. Instead, he chose to break free from his past and live according to God’s potential for him.
“And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bare him with sorrow.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!’ And God granted him that which he requested.”
– 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Moving Beyond Comparison
At first, Jabez compared himself to others, feeling limited by the circumstances of his birth and the label of his name. But as he leaned into faith, he understood that God had a unique plan for him. Comparison can often lead us to feel inadequate or small, but Jabez learned to look beyond these limitations by trusting in God’s vision for him rather than comparing himself to others.
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
– 2 Corinthians 10:12
The Weight of Shame and Sorrow
Shame, unlike the constructive sorrow that leads to repentance, can fester and lead to emotional and spiritual exhaustion. Left unresolved, shame alienates us from God and others, convincing us that we are unworthy of love and healing. It’s essential to recognize that shame is not a voice of conscience from God, but rather a destructive force used by the enemy to keep us bound to past mistakes.
“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.’”
– Revelation 12:10
Five Types of Shame
Understanding the roots of our shame can help us to let go of its hold on our lives. Shame comes in many forms:
- Inherited Shame – Passed down from the sinful nature of humanity since the fall.
- Individual Shame – Guilt or shame from personal mistakes or failures.
- Imposed Shame – Shame inflicted by others who belittle or criticize.
- Institutional Shame – Social or systemic shame based on factors like race, background, or gender.
- Incessant Shame – Cycles of shame that repeat through generations.
An Epiphany: A Turning Point
Jabez experienced a turning point, a divine revelation that transformed his understanding. This epiphany led him to call out to God with a five-fold prayer:
- “Bless me indeed” – He asked God for true blessings that only He could provide.
- “Enlarge my coast” – Jabez wanted to expand his life beyond limits.
- “Let your hand be with me” – He sought God’s guidance and presence.
- “Keep me from evil” – He asked for protection from harm.
- “Keep me from grief” – Jabez wanted to leave sorrow behind.
Jabez’s prayer reflects the heart’s cry to move beyond shame and embrace the fullness of God’s purpose. His story is a testament that when we seek God’s vision for our lives, we begin to live beyond the constraints of shame.
Finding Freedom from Shame
Letting go of shame means recognizing that God has a vision for our lives that transcends our past mistakes. The Bible reminds us:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
– Romans 8:1
Through faith, God grants us a fresh start, an invitation to move forward. Rather than being bound by the limitations of our past, we are called to live with purpose and confidence in God’s love and forgiveness.
Looking Forward, Not Back
Commit the next 30 days to focus on forward-thinking. Each time you find yourself pulled back to thoughts of shame, replace them with seven positive thoughts about your future. By intentionally focusing on what lies ahead, you’ll begin to see your life in a new light. The apostle Paul put it best:
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:13-14
Shame, like old “roadkill,” has no place on the new path God has set before you. In His eyes, your past is forgiven, forgotten, and left behind. Embrace His mercy and step forward with the courage of Jabez, into the life that God has always intended for you.
Living Word Christian Center 