October 14, 2016 - "he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8)
One verse, which cannot be understood without reading the 3 verses preceding it.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him". (5) "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." (6) "For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord." (7) "he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (8)
James is trying to explain how one is to approach the Lord in prayer. He is explaining how we should be persistent and powerful in our prayers. God hears each and every prayer by His children, but He may wait to answer, allowing us to grow in grace through patience as we wait on His answer.
James is telling us to be persistent and to not give up if God doesn't move as quickly as we would hope. He has His own time, His own calendar and we must stand still if we are to see His glory.
You see, the double-minded man wavers between belief and non-belief, being inclined to the latter. God knows He cannot count on such a man or woman.
While the single-minded man is focused, he has a definite goal in mind and moves toward it with persistence and a resolute spirit.
If we set our heart and mind upon the goal we are trying to reach and we pray for God's help with persistence, then He will answer it as we would like, if our prayer is such that He can.
When He sometimes doesn't seem to hear, we must remember, God is looking out for our best interests, not our wishes. We may be asking for something for ourselves or even for someone else that God knows is not in our or their best interests, in that case He makes His decision for our good, even if we don't understand.
Non-answered prayers should always bring knowledge and wisdom.
Both Christians and non-christians learn by our experiences, but, once the Christian has asked God for knowledge in understanding the pattern God has for his life; God then gives him the wisdom to understand, through grace, how to pursue that life.
But, there is much danger to the person who thinks he is his own master. Let that man take heed, lest he fall, for only God can supply the knowledge and wisdom which is needed in life.
As James said in verse 6; "let him ask in faith, with no doubting."
It is useless to pray without faith for we cannot please God without faith.
Prayer for guidance and grace should be offered daily with a true heart and unwavering faith, with the full assurance of God's power and mercy, knowing we can have absolute confidence in God's ability to answer.
May our Lord bless you and keep you each day...
