Do Not Doubt

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)

 

We all lack wisdom, so this instruction is for every believer. James simply wants us to recognize the fact that we are desperately in need the Lord's wisdom, and he directs us to come to Him and ask for it. This "asking" must be based on faith, and the strength of our faith is found in our relationship with God. Those who are close to God believe God. The saint who walks closely with the Lord asks in faith, because he walks by faith. Those who do not walk by faith will ask and still doubt, because they do not know the Lord well enough to trust and obey Him.

 

James calls those who doubt God "double-minded," which is more accurately translated double-souled. These are the ones who keep their feet on both sides of the line, worldly-minded while claiming to have the mind of Christ, who confuse soul-ties with fellowship, taking one step forward and two back, and they are committed to God and the church on their own terms. They are driven and tossed by the wind, never willing to be still, to be rooted, or able to bear fruit. The double-souled man will not receive any of the things he asks for, simply because the Lord cannot and will not trust him with those things.

 

Beloved one, examine yourself. How would your prayer life change if you truly asked without doubting, and if you walked and talked with God more closely? Today is the day to take God at His Word, to come to Him like a child, and to ask in faith. Come without doubting, ask, and see that the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. 

 

Let's Pray - Lord, forgive me for doubting You and being unstable in my walk. I submit myself to You anew, and I believe You will answer every prayer according to Your goodness, and according to my faith. In Christ alone, Amen.