February 2, 2012

James 1:5-8 (NIV)

“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.”

When I was in high school, a teacher of mine asked me a question about something I wanted. So, I told her something that I had been praying for…but I also told her, “Yes, that’s basically what I want. But I don’t know if God is going to give it to me.” Then she replied, “Why would you say that? God is able, just have faith!” Being the thinker that I was (yes, thinking too much can be a hindrance at times in your spiritual walk…but that’s a devo for another day), I answered and said, “Yes, but I always think to myself, what if what I ask something that isn’t in God’s will? I probably wouldn’t get it then.” I thought uh huh, what could she possibly say to that?? O_o

You know what she told me? “If you ask God for something, you have to believe that He will do it and have faith in Him. If you don’t, the Bible says you’re unstable and you won’t get anything.” Of course, I was disturbed by what she said, but I asked for the reference to which she told me it was James. So I looked it up and thought to myself ah ha! This is in regards to wisdom, so she’s wrong….well, not necessarily, I was wrong this time.

Though James spoke about wisdom in this context, he makes it clear that God gives generously (in general) to all who ask Him and believe. He implies this by setting giving as an attribute of God. Also, he substantiates it with the subsequent verse saying that one who doubts “should not expect to receive ANYTHING from the Lord.” This implies more than just wisdom. It encompasses anything we ask for. Furthermore in Hebrews 11:6, it says that without faith it is impossible to please God because those who come before Him must believe that He exists and is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

So, today, as you ask the Lord for something, trust Him, have faith, and put Him first. As long as you seek Him first and believe, there’s no doubt that He will fulfill your prayer. :)