A Wave of the Sea

[6] 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. [7] For that person must not
suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded
man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:6-8).

Ever been on a boat? A big one or a small one? Have you even been in a boat when there was a strong wind or storm? Most people who spend significant time on the water know that when you are caught in a storm out at sea, it can be a very scary experience. The water is tossed around in violent crashes that can seem rather erratic and unstable. Does that sound fun to you?

James writes in our verse for today that we become like those waves when we doubt him.
Doubt is the opposite of faith. Doubt says, “I don’t trust God. My experiences are too
challenging. God must be against me.” Faith says, “I will trust God no matter what challenging
experiences he takes me through. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection for me, God is for
me.” Which one of those statements sounds more stable?

James is teaching us in this verse that faith in God, that pushes back against doubt, will
be strong and stable. Doubt just makes us unable to stand strong. Doubters become victims of
their circumstances that are always changing. God doesn’t want that for us. The path of faith is
far more productive, wise, and life-giving.

Read Hebrews 11:6
1. Is it possible to please God? How? What are the conditions for pleasing him?
2. What ways do you need to trust God right now?
3. How has God proven faithful in the past in your life? Shouldn’t that cause you to look to the
future with faith?

Prayer
Our Father, help our unbelief. We are prone to wander away from belief in you. Apart from you
we can do nothing. Forgive us of our wandering and restore a right Spirit within us. One that
loves to trust you no matter what is going on in our lives. We know this pleases you and forms
in us godliness for the sake of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.