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."
Why is it so important to not just ask, but to ask with faith, believing that God hears and will answer us? Because God desires to have us rely on Him for everything. But to do that we must trust Him. And one way we show our trust in Him is by expecting a response from Him. Even though we can't see Him and can't touch Him necessarily we can still make contact and have a relationship with Him. In some ways it's like an earthly relationship. No one wants to go make a request of someone they know will not follow through, right? Then why go to God with something if you don't think He will follow through either? I would even venture to say that it is useless to go to God with something if you don't believe He will respond. If we approach Him, we must expect response. This is one way in which we can show our faith in Him, and our faith in His power and love for us.
Case in point: Me. (Of course. I'm the best example of flaws I know...since I know myself so well...anyway.) For a while now I have been praying to God about a particular circumstance hoping that He will give me answer, direction, something. Hoping. Catch that word? HOPING. It seems so innocent to think, "Maybe God will answer and maybe He won't. I don't know if He really has time for me. Or maybe He didn't hear me." But we can't think like that. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us that, "...if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." So how will it help me if I don't really know and believe that God will answer me?
(Side note: Please don't take this passage to mean that God will give us anything for which we ask. Notice that little phrase in verse 14? "...if we ask anything according to His will..." He (God) is very specific in granting requests. But this is not about knowing the right answers for God's little trivia game. It is about having our hearts in-tune and in-line with God's. Basically, God does not spoil His children! So check your motives....)
I know now that I must have confidence in God's reply and I must wait for it expectantly. Knowing that my question is in line with His will, I will now begin praying anew, with faith, with the expectation of an answer. (After I apologize for my unbelief of course!)
Do you believe God will respond to you? Are you struggling in the wait for his reply? Have confidence that He does hear you. He loves you enough to listen and make time for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment