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James 1:5-8
In James 1:2-4 James teaches us about developing patience through trials, and that in being patient in allowing patience/perseverance to work in our lives, we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. But the question arises of “How do we do this?” and is right in line with James’ teachings of putting our Christian faith into action. As we go through the trials of life, we need the wisdom of God to guide us on the path to being perfect and complete, lacking nothing. In James 1:5-8 we learn of the proper and submissive attitude that we must have in seeking wisdom. James tells us in verse 6a that we should, “ask in faith with no doubting.” This follows in the definition of faith which is believing without seeing. We must be strong in our faith in our Lord and Savior in knowing that He is capable of taking good care of us in the life that He has given us. James tells us in verse 6b that, “he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James goes on in verse 7 to let us know that one who doubts should not expect to receive anything from the Lord and that this person is unstable in all their ways.
This is a command to ask God for wisdom in faith, without doubting.
This is a promise that God gives liberally to those who have faith in Him.
This is a promise that he who doubts in the Lord should expect to receive nothing in return.
God is sovereign and being so is quite capable of caring for all our needs. As we seek His will for our lives, He wants us to recognize Him as all-powerful and reigning supreme above all that we may have confidence in our faith in Him. We should give all praise and glory to Him in our submission to Him in understanding of our need for Him and the gift of salvation that He offers to us in His one and only Son Jesus, whom He sent to save the world (that means all of us) from sin. As we approach God with the proper attitude in prayer, He will not only grant us the wisdom that we seek, but will supply far more abundantly than we could ever imagine. Be strong in your faith in God, leaving all doubts about His power and capabilities behind as He is our Almighty Creator and knows more about how to take care of us than we do.
Dear LORD,
We struggle and are weak in keeping our faith grounded in You when we go through the trials of life. Please help us to call on the name of Jesus to give us strength when we doubt, that we would bring glory to You and grow in the wisdom that only comes through our faith in You as Almighty God. In Jesus name I pray, amen.