Pain Does Not Define You

Life often brings pain, disappointment, or even labels that seem to stick with us, but these do not determine our worth or our future. Just as Jabez was named for the pain of his birth, he refused to let that define his destiny and instead turned to God for blessing. God’s blessing is not measured by the absence of hardship or by material gain, but by His presence and favor in our lives. When we seek God, He offers us beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise instead of despair. You are not defined by your past or your pain—God’s blessing is available to all who seek Him, regardless of their circumstances.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV)
"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.' Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!' And God granted what he asked."
What is one painful label or memory from your past that you need to surrender to God today, trusting Him to redefine your story with His blessing?