Ask in Faith.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8
In this passage the Word says that we must ask of God in faith. This implies that there must be other ways we can ask—with questions or doubt or double-mindedness. The Bible is saying if we want to hear from God and get biblical results in response to our prayers, we need to follow these biblical requirements.
Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). However, God is pleased when we seek Him with a childlike, tenacious confidence in His faithfulness. Hebrews 4:16 says, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." With confidence = in faith.
We have every reason to have faith in our trustworthy God. He is not a man that He should lie and He doesn't disappoint those who believe in Him (Numbers 23:19; Romans 10:11). Where does faith come from? Faith comes when we know God's will. And how do we know that? By reading the Bible (Romans 10:17). Look at some of Jesus' words:
"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." John 16:24
"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." Mark 11:24
Doesn't that build your faith? We will pray effective, fervent, heart-felt prayers when we ask of God with an attitude of trust in Him (James 5:16).
Ask in faith!
Pastor Jeff
1. Ask God.
2. Ask in Faith.
3. Eliminate Doubt.
4. Remain Single-Minded.
5. Expect to Receive.
© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
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