Is it wrong to ask God for more?

So, I've been on reading kick as of late and I just finished re-reading a great little book called “The Prayer of Jabez,” a gem recommended to me by someone on LinkedIn through a social media rabbit hole. 

This short book dives into some super obscure verses in 1 Chronicles 4.

I mean, who reads 1 Chronicles, right?

Most of the chapter is a snooze-fest of genealogies. But then, in verse 9, we meet Jabez:

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

The name "Jabez" literally means "he brings sorrow" in Hebrew.

Yikes, rough childbirth maybe??? 

And then the super-instructive vs. 10

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.

These verses hit home for me, especially the “enlarge my coast” part.

The NLT uses the phrase, “expand my territory,” which means “Give me more reach and influence.”

Jabez wanted to stand out and wasn’t shy about asking God for it. 

And guess what? God said, “Sure thing!”

Last week, in a men's Bible study group, we were talking about the topic of prayer. One guy mentioned his friend in Florida who prayed for a Ferrari. Cue the chuckles.

But with my current abundance/Jabez mindset, I thought, “Why not ask for a Ferrari?” I mentioned this to the guy next to me, and he whispered, “Only if he needs it.”

Does anyone really NEED a Ferrari?  Nah...

But what if he just WANTS it? Isn’t it OK to ask? If he’s willing to work hard for it, why not ask God for help?

Is it wrong to ask God for more?

I wholeheartedly believe that God cares about our needs AND our wants. I believe Jesus did say on multiple occasions, “Ask, and ye shall receive.”

Jabez wanted more influence to help bring others to God. 

I feel that! One reason we started BibleSocks was to share God’s Word in a fun, stylish way. Christian T-shirts are great (I have plenty), but Bible-themed socks? Now that’s unique!

We've got socks with inspiring stories like Daniel in the Lions’ Den and Jonah and the Whale, plus favorite verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and John 3:16. And they’re super comfy!

Heck, even our "Jesus Loves You" no-show socks are designed to boost your personal faith as you put them on in the morning to start your day.

I often find myself praying like Jabez, asking God to expand our territory and help us spread our message.

So - if you’re reading this, you’re part of that mission, and we appreciate you so much!

Who knew an obscure Bible verse could make such an impact?

Now, how about some Jabez BibleSocks?   We promise, they'll bring your feet joy - not sorrow! 😂