If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:5-8 NIV
When I was a sophomore in college I walked out of my house and found a nail wedged in my completely flat tire. I had never changed a flat tire up until that point so I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do. I had the day off from work and needed to run several errands. I left a message on my mom’s cell about it but said nothing about my plans. I couldn’t wait for someone to come bail me out so I set out to complete the task on my own. I followed the instructions in my owner’s manual word for word, switched out tires, and had my flat repaired at a local tire shop. When my mom finally called me back she told me she would fix the flat when she got home. When I informed her that I had already taken care of everything on my own she was shocked. “You changed the tire all by yourself?!” she asked doubtfully. I received the same responses from everyone I shared the story with. No one could believe that a young lady of my build could possibly change her own tire. In a humorous way, it could be said that they had no faith in me.
While this story is a very simple example of unbelief, I have to give credit to my family and friends. I probably would have doubted my abilities too if I were on the outside looking in. Then I realize that I do the same thing with God. I doubt that he is going to come through for me. I just assume the responsibility and don’t expect his provision. I find myself asking God for direction, for wisdom, for healing, asking, asking, and asking but never really believing in his power. I read, and believe, all the stories I read in the word. It’s amazing the double-standard I have for myself versus those biblical figures. I’m astounded that the Israelites didn’t enter the Promised Land because of their lack of faith. I think Jonah is crazy for not going to Nineveh when God instructs him. Yet, somehow I forget that the God in those stories is the same God listening to my prayers.
I remember a passage of scripture where a woman pushed through the crowds just to touch Jesus’ garment. She thought if she could only just touch his garment she would be healed of a twelve year infirmity (Matthew 9:20-22). She didn’t even need to ask. This woman displayed a faith unmatched by the actions of others who believed that perhaps Jesus could help them…but then again, they weren’t all too sure.
Unbelief isn’t new. With every passing generation the world becomes a more corrupt place. We have very little faith in the actions of others and find ourselves trusting fewer and fewer people. However, we can put our faith in a God that has never failed us. We can always trust that he has our best interest in mind and that if we believe in his promises we will receive. It’s not easy but I found that one man had the right idea when he had exhausted all his resources. Jesus told him “Everything is possible for one who believes.” The man exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24) It sounds like a great start. God, help me overcome my unbelief.
