Evidence of Faith 2
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Seeking God in the Midst of Trouble
Seeking God in the Midst of Trouble
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.
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.
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Last week we looked at the following Scripture
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
We learned that a Christians response to testing and trials clearly revels their perspective, understanding that the process has a purpose and end - the strengthening of faith!
This week we will see that the Christian should seek God first in the midst of life’s journey
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.
Now James is talking to those who are in the midsts of what he describes as trials and temptations
This is not in regards to distinguishing between the two but rather “how” to respond in the middle of the situation
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
What is the difference?
Temptation is enjoyable - Trails are a struggle - Temptation brings pleasure - Trials bring pain Temptation is easy - Trials are hard; Temptation brings satisfaction - Trials bring sacrifice
Remember our goal is to be in the will of God so James reminds us that the answer to our dilemmas can only be found in God’d wisdom!
…Ask of God and He will give!
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,
To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things,
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.
Remember James told us that we would have joy in the midst of suffering why? Because we will find God’s wisdom
You see God’s wisdom will keep a person from immorality and enable them to walk purely before the Lord
Not only does God’s wisdom bring practical application but it also brings favor with God when we apply it!
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord;
How do we obtain this wisdom? Ask in faith!
Jesus echoes this concept
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
It is God’s response to our prayer
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
But there is more to it than simply ask - you must ask in faith!
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.
For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
This is where the connection between the testing of our faith and the receiving of our deliverance cross paths!
There comes a moment in every believer’s life where they move from infancy to adulthood; From weakness to strength; from fear to faith!
Jesus said to build our house on the rock - the rock is not our faith but rather His ability according to His Word
As our faith grows we become more stable in all our ways!
The word here is “de a kreeno” it means to distinguish between
Jesus gave this example
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
It simply means that a Christian should not be odds within him or herself as to the truth of GOd’s Word!
We should not speak the Word and then question its reality in our hearts! We are not to be at odds within but stout and resolute!
James paints the picture of a man moving restlessly like a wave of the sea - his spirit man at war with his physical man
Paul sites Abraham as this kind of man
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,
Abraham has a divine promise that exceeds the possibility of natural fulfilment!
As long as there is faith there will be the doubt!
James reminds us to not fall victim to doubts call!
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Is God calling you out of the boat today?
Have you been given a promise that looks to be totally impossible?
What is drawing your attention away from the truth of GOd’s Word?
Allow Gd today to challenge and stretch you and take you to levels you never thought were possible for your life!