James 1:6-8

James is not telling believers to stick their heads in the sand and pretend that they never have any doubts! Scripture, especially the Psalms, are full of examples of people of faith wrestling with doubts. Doubts about God’s presence and God’s promises. Doubts caused by the unfairness they see living in a fallen world. So, rather than deny our doubts we need to begin by acknowledging our doubts. Don’t be afraid to say “God, here is where I’m at, this is what I’m struggling with.” But then don’t stop, keep praying! Pray through your doubts all the way into faith!! Once we express our doubts to God we are free to fully focus on His character and His promises and His faithfulness to us in the past. In this process of praying through, we end up with a faith in God that is real and strong. 

PASSAGE: James 1:6-8 - 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. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

PAUSE: James challenged the dispersed believers to approach God in faith. A sincere faith that believes that God is good and delivers on what He has promised. Often, we as believers have doubts. We doubt God’s goodness and we doubt God’s existence. When you pray, do you pray with faith or with doubts?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, increase my faith. Forgive my doubts, worries, and fears. I ask for wisdom again today and I acknowledge that You will give it.