⁶But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Faith is essential to Christianity, the starting point to doing anything in our spiritual walk. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6) or to count it all joy when we face trials (see James 1:2). Therefore, our faith must grow and be tested to be purified of doubt. And so the book of James is really all about the genuineness of faith, a faith that works, that is solid, that makes a real difference. In particular, our faith must be proved genuine in our response to trials.

The refining of our faith through trials requires asking God for wisdom. He instructs us to ask for wisdom and promises to give it to us abundantly. As the apostle Paul writes, “[He] is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us . . .” (Eph. 3:20). But we must really believe that, not just repeat the words like a mantra.

James, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, brings faith down to the nitty-gritty of life. It is more than just saying “I believe” or entertaining ourselves by thinking about spiritual things. No! Genuine faith asserts itself in the face of all that seems incomprehensible to our senses, all that overwhelms our emotions, all that incites our fears, all that neutralizes our hope. Faith overrides our pain, our distress, our despondence. Faith takes commanding control of our response to the forces that otherwise seem beyond our control. Faith audaciously and boldly says, “I believe God, that He will give me the wisdom I need. I know there is a reason for my suffering and trial. I choose to trust God and take Him at His word.” Nothing short of an all-out faith will do.

Some argue at this point, “But my faith is weak!” God can’t believe for us. He expects us to be able to believe. And so James speaks in black-and-white terms: either you have faith without doubt, or you have no faith at all. The smallest doubt undermines your trust in God. James pulls no punches; doubt makes a Christian “double-minded” and “unstable.” There is no in-between.

James is not talking about salvation faith, although that application might not be far off. He is addressing the nature of faith, and this will carry on throughout his letter. Faith is substantive, usable, and effective, if it is genuine. Any other view of faith leaves us bobbing directionless like a cork in a stormy ocean.

Lord, as You instructed, I am asking for wisdom in the face of my present trial.