“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. 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. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways”. – James 1:5-8
LIGHT FOR NOW: The standpoint of the prayer of faith is from the understanding of God’s character revealed in Christ.
A close look at James’ words in our texts above brings to the fore that prayer goes beyond making requests unto God. It also involves receiving from God. In other words, receiving is part of prayer. James’ words were very clear on why the brother who asked will not receive; “…let him ask in faith, nothing wavering”. He explains “wavering” as being double minded in verse 8. The word “wavering” implies to judge; to separate thoroughly between two things or opinions; to dispute. This means it can either be in the positive or negative. It is often used for deciding between two things. It was used in James 2:4 “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” Jude 1:9 “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee”.
In essence, James explains the term “wavering” as an act of unbelief. Why will the brother waver? The focus of the context of James 1:5-7 is the character of God. Hence, the wavering is about the character of God. Notice how the character of God is described:
• He gives to all men liberally without finding faults. Thus, James explained God as a giving God, who does not find faults or blame before he gives.
• He does not tempt with evil – circumstances that drive the believer to pray was not God tempting the man with evil.
• He is without variableness or shadow of turning (James 1:17).
• He does not change.
• He is our Father.
So, in the prayer of faith, an understanding of God’s character is crucial. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Know God by his word and not by people’s experiences.
CONFESSION: God is my father. I am a son; I have access to the Father. My focus is on the character of the father when I pray. When I ask in prayer, I receive, in Jesus Name, Amen.
QUOTE: Your understanding of God’s character will influence how you pray.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: JAMES CHAPTER 1; EVENING: JAMES CHAPTER 2
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 