1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

James 1:1-8 (KJV)

Faith is essential.

Why do we doubt?

We doubt when:

  1. A situation goes against our human reasoning or every time we rely on our own logic, we’ll miss God’s best for our lives.
  2. We allow feelings to overcome our faith. Feelings of fear, inadequacy, or unworthiness. We’re called to live by faith, not fear.
  3. We don’t see God in certain circumstances.
  4. We listen to negative counsel.
  5. We focus on the circumstances.
  6. We may be ignorant of God’s ways.
  7. We might feel guilty over past sins.
  8. We could be listening to the devil.

Response

How does faith grow? Just get to know God better! And because God is faithful, the better you know Him, the more you will trust Him. The way to get to know His trustworthiness is to risk obeying Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.