February 26
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6
Have you ever had to ask for something from someone whom you knew was not reliable? Maybe that person had made a promise that didn’t pan out. You might be a little reluctant to ask that person for anything again, knowing that they don’t have the best history of following through.
Many times we put the same expectation or lack of expectation on God. We watch someone not get the healing they prayed for or something else bad happens in their life, and we blame God. Or perhaps you have seen God’s faithfulness in others’ lives, but you don’t feel like God has been there for you.
Whatever the scenario, those events weaken our resolve that God will answer our prayers. As this scripture says, we become tossed around by doubt – wanting to believe but being afraid to do so. Like the verse says, we are like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
So, how do we strengthen our faith? Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” We get stronger in our faith and trust in God when we spend more time with Him as we read and meditate in His Holy Word.
My children don’t doubt that I will make their favorite meal when they ask. Why? They know me! They know that I want to make them whatever they want (especially now that they are adults). It makes me feel good when they ask me to cook something they really enjoy.
Our relationship with God is the same. The more we get to know Him, the more we don’t have to waver at His promises in the Bible. When we ask for something according to the Word, He hears us. 1 John 5:15 says, “And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
As Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Go boldly to His throne today!
Dear Lord, I come boldly to your throne as your child. I know that You love me and will perform your Word in my life. Amen.