James 1:6

'But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.'

'But let him ask in faith' -(Matthew 21:21; James 5:15). God has. ready answer for the Christian who complains that God hasn't answered their prayer, or that they have been trying to live the Christian life and yet they are still confused. Faith, trust, confidence in God is essential (Hebrews 11:6).

'without any doubting' -Notice the word "any". How many us think we are pleasing to God as long as we don't voice our complaints? 'Arguing with God, complaining about circumstances, or hesitancy to be open to His answer are human attitudes that will prevent God from responding.' (Kent p. 39) Vine says concerning the word "doubting", 'the verb suggests, not so much weakness of faith, as lack of it' (Vine p. 335)

Point To Note:

We should note that "doubting" includes any manifestation of unbelief. Complaining about our circumstances, questioning God, blaming others, trying to punish God (because He didn't respond in the way we had requested) by withholding our contribution, or prayers, are all forms of unbelief. (Romans 4:20 'yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.') (See 1 Corinthians 10:1).

'for the one who doubts is like' -This is God's view of the person who can't trust Him. And the reader should note that this doubter is. professed Christian.

'the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind' -Like Jesus, James had grown up in Galilee. Violent storms would hit the sea of Galilee. 'the constant churning of the water suggested the agitation in. doubter's heart. Such persons are encouraged one moment, discouraged the next.' (Kent p. 40) Paul spoke of people who were carried about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). Often we see professed Christians who are hot and then cold, high and then low. 'Every pressure that is brought to bear upon his life will bear fruits of confusion and despair.' (Draper p. 23) This is the type of person who has just enough religion to make them miserable. Such. person is often rash in their decisions, impatient, can't wait for God to act, and subject to extreme mood swings. Like waves blown by the wind, the mood and spirit of this individual is determined by the external happenings in life.