James 1:6-7 ESV – 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.
Lots of talk about faith lately – the cornerstone – given to us by Jesus Christ. As we should be talking a lot about faith! Every translation I read along with commentary agrees that our confidence and settled trust is what makes our faith real.
Thinking on that definition, it would make sense here that James would be telling his fellow believers that they need to get the faith part straight so they won’t doubt. Then he goes on to say how if you doubt you should know you are an unstable individual – just as unstable as the ocean. And we know the ocean is pretty much moving and up and down all day and all night.
Not only are we unstable if we doubt, but we shouldn’t expect a thing from God. Wow. That doesn’t sound good!
Verse 5 before our verses of the week reads: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” ESV
Our verse of the week isn’t suggesting God is a genie in the bottle here – sometimes God says no to what we ask. It wasn’t part of the grand plan we just can’t see yet. What may seem harsh may become way more beautiful than you could imagine – you just aren’t there yet. You have to believe it, though.
Verse 5 however, is a promise about wisdom. IF we ask and IF we believe we will receive wisdom, you best know wisdom is coming your way.
This promise is really beautiful. I know we all wish God would just send us a Fed-Ex certified letter about exactly what to do for our lives, but we have wisdom available when we ask for it.
Ever hear people say, “God led me to ________.” Maybe, “I feel like God told me to ____________.” That’s them receiving not only wisdom, but the assurance that was God who gave them that wisdom and then they moved on it.
Are you asking for wisdom? Are you believing you will receive it? It’s promised to you, after all. God is faithful to all the promises and you are never the exception.
It takes faith in God’s nature and a settled assurance He will come through for you. Do you believe what He says about you and His goodness to you?
There’s no expiration on this wisdom promise. Ask all you want and know you are going to get it! Happy wisdom asking!!!
