Complicated
By Marilynn Chadwick
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is ... double-minded and unstable in all they do.” —James 1:6, 8 NIV
Following Christ gets complicated when we try to live by the standards of this world: Work hard. Dream big. Solve life's problems with good sense and hard work. Measure your worth by your outer success.
But James points us to another reality. A heavenly power source. A God who cares. Who answers prayers. Who does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Ask. Believe. Resist doubt. Easier said than done. Sometimes, living in two worlds can get very complicated.
The word translated "ask," aiteo, also means "to pray." James knew a thing or two about prayer. His faithful intercession earned him the nickname "camel knees." The oldest half-brother of Jesus, James was an eyewitness to the resurrection. He became the leader of the believers in Jerusalem. The book of James is thought to be written shortly before he was martyred. Who better to teach us to stand firm in our faith? To believe and not doubt. To resist being double-minded.
Double-minded, or dipsychos, describes someone who has “two minds.” This is the very definition of complicated, according to Spiros Zodhiates, PhD, editor of the Hebrew–Greek Key Word Study Bible (my “Big Fat Greek Bible” – and my personal favorite).
Let's take a few minutes to reflect on the complete passage:
“It must be in faith that he asks with no wavering [no hesitating, no doubting]. For the one who wavers [hesitates, doubts] is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, [for being as he is] a man of two minds [hesitating, dubious, irresolute], [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]” (James 1:6-8 AMP).
God’s Word challenges us to believe and warns us about doubt.
Let these words sink deep. If you’re like me, you may need to repent of doubt. When it comes to our faith, maybe it's time to stop being so complicated.
Experience the transforming power of hearing God's voice
Hearing from God through His Word brings you life-changing wisdom and confidence.
That’s why we want to thank you for your gift today by sending you a copy of Hearing the Voice of God by Pastor David Chadwick. It’ll show you:
- How to hear the voice of God through His Word
- The incredible depths of God’s love for you
- How to develop a deeper and stronger relationship with God
- Insights and inspiration for your life with Christ
God wants to communicate with you, and Hearing the Voice of God, takes you through the Gospel of John to show you how to hear God speaking powerfully and personally through His Word.
Don’t miss all you can gain from this powerful 4-month devotional book. And don’t miss your opportunity to give below to give more people a reason for hope in Jesus.
Thank you!
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