E and I were reading the first chapter of James last night, and we got talking about verse 6 and 7, which say,But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.
We were talking about doubt associated with prayer, and whether there were some things we don't pray about very much, because they seem too hard, or too painful. At the root of this could be a doubt that God could or would ever answer this prayer, because it just seems beyond our imagination.
We have prayed and prayed about it, and God knows how much we long for it to be answered, and He hasn't answered us yet. Or at least we haven't heard any answer. So why keep praying? Why keep picking the scab on an issue that is so close to our hearts?
But when you look at these verses, it seems to be an issue of faith and trust. If we doubt God's love and capability, our prayers don't seem to hold any weight. We have to just dive in and believe in faith, knowing that God can do anything. We need to be reckless in prayer. In Matthew 17:20 Jesus says that if you just have the tiniest bit of faith, that 'nothing will be impossible' through Him.
Do you have an issue you don't pray about because it's too painful to keep bringing it up to no apparent avail? When I thought about it, something immediately came to mind, something dear to me I avoid for this reason. I'm determined to focus on praying for this thing boldly this week.
2 comments:
Interesting point Ben. I often do the whole "hmm I'm going to pray for this, even though it's a bit out there..." or or "My prayer makes no sense, but..."
I think that's my silly personality though, and not my doubt in God. I you are praying without any expectation, then why would you pray to begin with?
I also think James is being rhetorically powerful in his last statement, not necessarily describing God's reaction to our timid prayers.
Yeah, that's a good point about that last bit, Sophie. I think you're right. God works through and despite our shortcomings.
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