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 at times, so this instruction is for every believer. James simply wants us to recognize the fact that we are desperately in need the Lord's counsel, and he directs us to simply come to Him and confidently ask for it.

 

Those who do not walk by faith will ask and still doubt. They do not know the Lord well enough to trust Him.

 

James calls those who ask and still doubt God "double-minded," or “double-souled.” They 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 spiritually and two back. They are committed to God and the church on their own terms, driven and tossed by the wind, never willing to be still, to be rooted, or able to bear fruit. They will not receive any of the things they ask God for, simply because He cannot and will not trust them with those things — spiritual things.

 

Beloved one, examine yourself. How would your 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 and ask. You’ll find that the Lord is good, He gives freely to all who ask in faith, 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.