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. James 1: 6, NKJV.
Dear Lord, thanks for showing us how to ask, knock, and seek. May we heed Your counsel and be blessed, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Today we continue on the topic of prayer. Whenever we conduct study on a subject, one of the first areas we look at are the “dos” and don’ts.” We realize that if we are to be successful, it is important to know what we should, or should not, do. When it comes to prayer, it is of the utmost importance that we master the “dos.” They will automatically, counteract the “don’ts” as we see in our text for today. If we have faith, it will take care of our doubt.
For a closer look at the topic of faith, let us look at two definitions of the word. In the Bible we read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11: 1, NKJV). Emphasis provided. Let us look at the same text in some other versions:
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (NLT). Emphasis provided.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (NIV). Emphasis provided.
Now let us see how Encarta defines the word faith. “Belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody, or something, especially without logical proof. Emphasis provided.
Religion: Belief in and devotion to God. Emphasis provided.
If we apply these concepts to the two characters in the Bible stories we have seen so far, the role their faith played in their attitude, becomes evident as the force which propelled them to take action; and have their requests granted.
Achsah’s confidence in her father’s love for her, gave her the assurance that what she requested of him would be granted. Even before she saw her “present,” she knew that she already had it (the evidence of things not seen”)! I can just imagine her making her plans about what she would do with those two springs! (See the meditation for October 2).
According to either version of the story of the centurion (Matthew or Luke); all he needed was for Jesus to speak the Word of life; and he was certain that his servant would be healed! (See October 3). Now to the Greeks, or the Romans of his day; who were not Christians, this would have been completely illogical! But for the centurion, who no doubt had been building his faith upon the evidence of what he had heard about Jesus’ character, and His work, this made all the sense in the world, even though he had no tangible proof! He believed, and he received!
May God teach us today, how to “ask in faith, nothing doubting!”