Doubting
"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." —James 1:6-8, NIV
In the passage above, James is specifically talking about asking for wisdom, but the principle applies to anything we ask God for. When we bring our requests before Him, we must ask without doubting. Sometimes we may believe we are asking in faith, but our actions often speak louder than our words.
Recently, I had been pouring my heart out to God about all the things happening in my life—some situations I had prayed about for a long time, yet I saw no visible change. One day, as I sat quietly contemplating what I should do next, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, "Are you trusting Me? Why are you still carrying all these burdens? If you have truly given the situation to Me, then leave it with Me. You've tried every way you know to fix it, and nothing has changed. Stop trying to manipulate the outcome."
In that moment, He impressed upon my heart that nothing would change until I fully let go. Suddenly, I could see myself clearly. Even though I had prayed, I realized I was still clinging to control, trying to make things happen on my terms. I thought I was walking in faith, but in reality, I was moving in doubt.
I had convinced myself that, since these were practical issues around the house, I should be able to handle them. But in truth, my actions revealed that I was telling God, "I want You to fix this—but only my way." God knows our hearts, and if I had paid attention to mine, I would have recognized that I was walking in doubt and unbelief all along.
Scripture says, "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." (James 1:7-8, NIV)
As the Father gently revealed this to me, I repented and asked for His forgiveness. Instantly, I felt a deep sense of peace wash over me. The situation hasn’t changed yet, but I know in my heart that it is already done and the transformation will appear in God’s perfect timing. Now, when the enemy tries to attack me with thoughts of doubt—even when the circumstances seem unchanged—I no longer agree with him. I stand firm on Isaiah 65:24: "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."
This journey has drawn me into a deeper closeness with God—a place of Shalom peace and unspeakable joy. I've learned that spiritual waiting is active faith: trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that He is always working behind the scenes.
Father, thank You for every journey You take us on to grow our faith and draw us closer to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Key Takeaways:
Praying and then trying to manipulate the outcome is not faith.
God does not honor prayers that lack faith.
A double-minded person does not please God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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