James 1:5-8
If any of you 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 a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (ESV)
We see the following in these verses:
- The Challenge of Ignorance (v5)
a) The Reality of Ignorance:
Man lacks wisdom and insight for we are fallen.
Christ is the wisdom of God revealed, He is the source of wisdom
b) The Remedy of Ignorance:
Humbly ask God for wisdom.
- The Challenge of Doubt (v6-8)
a) The Reality of Doubt:
We are tossed about as by the wind if we doubt God and are then unable to receive anything from the Lord.
b) The Results of Doubt:
We are unstable in all our ways, causing:
(i) infidelity,
(ii) untrustworthiness,
(iii) indecision,
(iv) instability and
(v) insufficiency.
Indecision results in:
(i) procrastination,
(ii) missed opportunities and
(iii) instils anxiety along with strained relationships.
c) The Remedy of Doubt:
Ask God in faith (knowledge, ascent and trust) and through sincere prayer.
Christ is our prophet whom we must hear, our Priest whom we must receive and our King whom we must trust.
We are asking for more of Christ when we ask God for help. Christ will then enable us to face the challenges in our lives.