James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double minded and unstable in all they do.
This is a tough passage for me, because I know that it is normal human nature to have doubts sometimes, even about God. But I wonder if what James is saying is this: when you go to God, put your faith up front and ask knowing He is listening. There are other passages in scripture about faith and belief, and Jesus talked about having faith, and how people unfortunately often need "proof" before they can believe. And sometimes even that is not enough! I guess we think we are the smartest things around....Faith overcomes any indecision.
Holy Lord, you see us, inside and out, and know every thought that we have. We are humble before you. Help us to stand firm in our faith, in every situation. You have not changed. We can change for the better. Amen
Becky, transforming
Monday,
James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways
James is telling us to have complete faith in the character of God, even if we're uncertain what he wants us to do or how he's going to answer our prayers. The doubter James refers to is the one who wavers…
James 1:5-8
Why do I still have doubts? I’m not sure, but I do. I will always use my faith to help me work things out. My conversations with God must, sometimes, test his patience. Yet, in the end, I accept his answers. I know I have a strong faith, but I even question that sometimes.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me put my doubts away and built my faith up stronger than ever. Amen
James 1:5-8
The picture says a lot, Peter will denied Jesus before Rooster crows then doubting Thomas, so yes go to God trust God ask God and Thank God by staying strong hold on to your faith and don’t waver like the wave.
Dear Good and Gracious God,
Help me to continue to stay strong in my beliefs and learn not crumble under stresses or distraction that causes me to question. Amen
James 1:5-8 James picked a perfect metaphor for indecision in a wave being blown and tossed by the wind. When Jesus calmed the storm that so frightened the disciples he said, “Why are you afraid, O ye of little faith?” Faith is the anchor that holds us firm in the storms of life. While moments of indecision will surely arise, it is our faith that will guide us to the stability of the eternal truth that lies in the Word of God. It Is on the precepts that our decisions ms should be based.
Prayer - God who calms our storms, grant that each day my faith increase. May this strong anchor hold me firm against the waves of doubt…