How Believers Navigate The Drift of Doubt | James 1:5-12

Doubt—it's that little voice that whispers to us in our trials. It says, "But what if God doesn't come through?" We've all heard it. But today, James warns us that doubt and the whispers of doubt can wreak storm-like havoc on our faith. And we will discover the right response to doubt is surprising, simple, steady, and strong.

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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. Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:5-12

In my life, trials have a way of turning my heart and mind toward a defensive mentality or a defeatist mentality. I am sure you are no different. When I encounter a trial, I either try to defend myself against the trial, using my own ingenuity to work my way around it or out of it. Or, if the trial goes on too long, I get this defeatist mentality where I want to give up.

But this text says there is a far better answer to navigating our trials: It's to ask God [circle those words] for the wisdom we lack in our trials. I hate to say it, but this is the missing step that amplifies the drift of doubt.

Too many believers live lives of secret self-exaltation. They spend too much time trying to work a way out of their trials or ruminating on the trials while they drift far into a sea of doubt. Instead, we should be humble, submissive, trust, and turn to God, who can provide wisdom for the trial. And if we do the latter, we are blessed and will receive the crown of life.

When trials crash over you, resist the urge to paddle on your own ingenuity or sink into defeat. Instead, stop and ask God for wisdom—that’s the step that anchors your faith and steadies you in the storm. Write it down, circle it, underline it: Ask God. Then trust that he will give it. Repeat it until it becomes a habit because your storm isn’t the problem—it's how you face it.

Your storm isn’t the problem—it's how you face it.

#FaithOverDoubt, #AskGod, #SteadfastUnderTrials

Ask This:
When faced with trials, do you rely on your own wisdom, or do you pause to ask God for guidance?
How has doubt affected your faith during past challenges?
What step can you take today to build the habit of asking God for wisdom?
In what ways can you trust God more fully to provide wisdom during your current trial?
Do This:
Ask God. Right now!

Pray This:
Father, in my trials, help me to trust You completely and ask for the wisdom I need. Strengthen my faith so I can remain steadfast and receive the blessings You promise. Amen.

Play This:
Lord, I Need You.