But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 WEB
James, the brother Jesus, wrote this epistle to the twelve tribes of Israel in dispersion from their homeland. The Israelites were scattered in various nations. James sends his greetings to his kinsmen and begins with words of encouragement to endure the struggles of the testing of their faith in God.
The words that we read from James encourage his readers to believe without doubting that God answers the prayers of his people. He says in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. WEB”
With this, James adds that the double minded should not expect anything from God. Doubts are common, even among believers, but they do not please the Lord. Jesus teaches the danger of disbelief in his interaction with a man who came to him with a deaf son who could not speak. The cause of the affliction was a tormenting spirit.
Help My Unbelief
Mark’s gospel records Jesus’ interaction with the man in Mark 9:23-24 saying, “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, ‘I believe. Help my unbelief!’ WEB” Jesus then healed the boy out of compassion.
Jesus, knowing God as Father, had perfect faith. The Lord says to the crowd of the boy in need of healing in Mark 9:19, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me. WEB” This is an indication of the displeasure the Lord has with faithlessness.
For each of us, if our faith is weak, we can increase it through diligent study of God’s word. We read in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. WEB” Both wisdom and faith are available through the word of God. James assures us that when we ask in faith for wisdom, God gives it in generous portions.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Increase my faith. Relieve me from all doubt. Give me wisdom to know and do your will all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: In My Prayers
