" If anyone lacks wisdom, let Him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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 , he is double minded in all his ways. "
James 1:5-9
I was reminded of this passage this morning as I was praying and of course I went to it as quickly as I could. If you are in prayer and a verse jumps into you head, I would say that its a safe bet that it is not a coincidence. It was the 'wisdom piece' that I was focused on until I actual read the entire section. After reading verses 5-9, I felt as though an assessment of my prayer life was taking place.
Do I lack Wisdom? Yes
Do I ask in faith, without doubting? Not always
Is this verse talking about me, when it says that he who doubts should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord? Yes, I believe so.
So here is the question, what does James mean when he tells us not to doubt? Is it that we are not to doubt that God will answer any old prayer that we throw His way? This passage starts with a prayer for wisdom to endure trials , but James says, ' For that person must suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord "
So to be sure:
1. We can ask God for the wisdom we need to endure all kinds of trials ( This presupposes that we understand that we lack said wisdom)
2. Doubting that He will supply wisdom will result in us being tossed by the wind and landing with not having acquired the wisdom that we need.
3. In general, a prayer life that doubts the one who is being called upon is fruitless.
This does not mean that we can not question whether God will answer our prayers exactly as stated, it does mean however that our perseverance in prayer ought to be an indication of our desperation and our unyielding faith in the one on whom we call.
Its about doubting the Faithfulness of Him. Remember, we are the ones who lack wisdom, not God.
