But What?

James 1:6-8 (KJV)
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Triumph of Faith over Idolatry, by Jean-Baptiste Théodon (French, 1646–1713). Church of the Gesù, Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

But What?

I don’t like to see the word “but” at the beginning of sentences. It causes apprehension and an anticipation that there is something that I have to do – a condition that has to be met. That apprehension is telling, though, because it means (at least most of the time) that I have a problem with whatever comes before the but.

In the last post, I discussed James 1:5, which says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” This is a bright promise that assures us that the Lord will not abuse us when we ask for wisdom. Now we have the word “but.” That small word tells us plainly that what is to follow is essential. It precedes the instruction that we are to ask in faith. This should not surprise us, because Hebrews 11:6 says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that faith shows that we believe that God is, and that He will reward us when we diligently seek Him. No wonder James 1:6 says “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (Emphasis, mine) Faith is a precondition for having our prayers heard. When we fail to ask God in faith, we show that we don’t really believe that He is Who He is. When we fail to ask in faith, we are saying that the Lord will not reward us when we diligently seek Him. So, when we fail to ask in faith, we are actually calling God a liar. When we fail to ask in faith, then our prayers are merely words and we are reducing Almighty GOD to the status of a mere idol who cannot see nor hear us, much less love us, die for us, and secure eternal life for us. Failing to have faith when asking God for anything is an insult to our Creator.

If we are not certain of the Lord, then we are certain of nothing, because He is the source of everything that is. “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” This is a strong rebuke! Faith is the precondition for pleasing God. Failure to have faith that the Lord is, and that He has the wisdom to give us, will cause the Lord to not give us anything. Why should the Sovereign of the Universe reward any creature who does not believe that He is. Why should God bless anyone who calls Him a liar?

Don’t be double minded. Being unsteady in all your ways is hellish. Rather, believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and let the wisdom and peace of the Lord flood your life today.

Be a blessing to someone today.

Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Verneda