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. 1 Chronicles 4:10 ESV

Some people that I have met are often ashamed to ask God for anything. They feel that they have messed up so bad that they are lucky to be on the bus at all. Others tend to think that God is our great Santa Claus in heaven or a well-trained pet to command. Balance is one of the keys to a happy life.

The enemy will try and get you out of balance to hinder your prayers. Either you do not pray at all, or you pray for the wrong thing, or with the wrong motive. There is nothing wrong with asking God to bless you, prosper you, and keep you safe. When you come to the Lord, your past is forgiven and you become a child of God with all the benefits and perks that entails. You are not a second class citizen in His family, you get to sit at the table with everyone else.

If anyone on earth has a right to ask God for something, you now do. Sister Bertha Better-than-you, is actually not better than you. You are forgiven and can pray for the things that you need. Jesus told us to pray “give us today our daily bread.” Ask God for the things that you need. When Jabez asked, God granted his request. Sure there needs to be balance, but what if Jabez had not prayed at all?