When in doubt .. by Deon Crafford

James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

One would be justified to think that James is a bit hypocritical when he implores the church to not doubt. He after all, being the half-brother of Jesus, growing up in the same household, witnessing His ministry and miracles, did not believe in Him at first. It took a personal encounter with the risen Christ to break his doubt and turn him into a zealous believer. But then again, maybe that is front of mind when he writes this. He knows the feeling of being tossed to and fro by the waves of his doubt, despite witnessing for himself the ministry of Jesus. Maybe this is a way of kicking himself for not believing earlier. Then again when we see how gentle Jesus is with Thomas, we realise that His grace also covers us in our doubt. What James though have to say to us, is that doubt is a litmus test of our faith. Doubt will paralyse us while trust and conviction propels us into action. Doubt destroys the impact of our ministry, our representation of the heart of Christ, while trust and conviction opens the road to Christ through all the worldly norms that keeps people guessing about the truth of Jesus. What truth? That His life bought mine, that His love fills me, that His presence leads me, that His ear is turned towards me, that His hand constantly reaches for me, that His goodness will not fail me. When in doubt, believe!

Love to all

DC