Ask in faith, without doubt

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

"...and it will be given to him." So, when I face circumstances that I find uncomfortable, or even heartbreaking ... I should ask the Lord to pull me out of those circumstances, right? "Fix it, Dad!"

Hmmm. Think again.

Just a few lines away from our opening scripture is this line: "Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him."

The key, then, is the initial recommendation to seek the wisdom of God ... to discern HIS will and to move boldly forward into whatever circumstances this life presents. IN CHRIST we can defeat anything this world or the enemy send our way. We are called to fully embrace the gift of faith, even when our senses tell us to take things into our own hands. Death has lost its sting, the Father offers the crown of life (eternal!) to those who claim the redemption of the cross and kneel before him, acknowledging him as the one and only God.

Rather than praying against any trials in my life, I pray, Father, that I would be inspired to ask for the wisdom and strength necessary for the challenge ... to persevere until such time you remove me from trying circumstances. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!