5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 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.

James 1:5-8 (ESV) 中文 

No doubt allowed

As we shared at the start, this letter is much about works to prove faith. But here James hits on faith right away. It’s also full of commands and directives on how to live as a Christian. He’s already onto his second one: Ask without doubt. When we need something from God, we need to ask. And when we ask, we ask in faith. We don’t leave any room for doubt.

Connection to trials

Is there a connection between yesterday’s teaching on rejoicing in trials? James knows it is not easy to consider trials a joy so we need wisdom. “What God promises, in this chapter’s context, is the ability to see the importance of enduring trials and persevering in them faithfully.” (Constable commentary) The Greek for wisdom, sophia, refers to “a fixed, righteous order to which the wise man submits his life.” (Bruce K. Waltke) So to lack wisdom is to lack an understanding of God’s righteous ways (or His view of life) and/or to submit to them. This relates to the trials we face.

God’s promise

And when we ask, God quickly obliges. He answers that prayer to give us this wisdom, this understanding of His righteous ways and help to submit to it. That’s a promise from God. And He’s not frugal in His giving. It’s over the top generous. Either we believe or we don’t. No room for doubt. If you’ve ever been on a boat on the sea in a storm, you completely understand Jame’s analogy. No matter what tactics and efforts you bring to bear, the wind will win, and you go wherever the wind directs.

Double-minded

Have you met a person who for the life of them just can’t make a decision? They keep weighing the odds, comparing the pros and cons, considering all the options. You just want to make the decision for them and move on. On a business project, it is called “analysis paralysis”. But this is worse since it is related to our relationship with God. Lack of faith is an affront to God, it’s doubt about His character and abilities. It is not acceptable. Of course, when we act that way, God will not give as we ask. 

RЯeflection

• How good are you at asking in faith? Are you even asking? Don’t let this passage scare you off from asking. Get to know God by studying His Word. Pray for things He has already promised to do. 
• Going beyond that, when you ask, consider who God is and ask for the impossible – that only God can deliver. If it’s according to His will, watch Him deliver. It might not come as you expect. Look for it. And when it comes, rejoice and give thanks. You could also rejoice before it comes!