Believing In His Plans Without Doubt | Guided Prayers

When a decision is in front of us and the way forward isn't clear, our minds can churn back and forth, weighing every option, second-guessing the last thought with the next one.

In James 1, 5 through 6, he writes, 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.

Another translation puts it plainly.

Notice two things here.

First, a promise.

God gives wisdom generously and without finding fault.

He won't hold the question against you.

And second, a picture, the doubter tossed like a wave on open water, driven by whatever wind happens to be blowing.

We don't have to live tossed around like that.

We can ask and trust that God answers.

Let's begin by thanking God for the kind of giver he is.

Thank him that his wisdom is generous, not rationed, not earned.

And thank him that he gives without finding fault, that you can come confused, unsure, even embarrassed by the question, and be met with help instead of judgment.

Name it honestly.

The choice you keep circling, the one you can't seem to settle.

Tell him where you've been doubting, where you've been asking for his direction while quietly keeping one foot in your own plan.

And then ask the way James tells us to ask, believing, not doubting, that he hears you and will give you what you need.

Picture the wave going still, the wind dying down, the water settling flat.

Let your grip on the outcome loosen and quietly tell him: I'm not asking a reluctant God.

I'm asking one who gives generously.

I'm listening and I trust you to lead.

A friend, a coworker, someone you love facing a decision they can't see through?

Ask God to give them that same generous wisdom and to still the waters for them too.

So we never have to come to you afraid of the question.

Quiet the wind, settle the waves, and lead us with the wisdom only you can give.

We're asking and we trust you.

Amen.