Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
Growing Faith
Unswerving
Part 4 of 16
James 1:1-8
By J.D. Griffith
Beginning at verse 6: “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,
because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the
wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord:
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”
Jeremy had a bad practice and just knew he’d not make the football team.
He dropped the ball and placed last when running the length of the
football field.
His
mouth formed a frown, and he didn’t look Michael in the eye when entering
their bedroom.
“Wassup?” Michael teased, when Jeremy came into the room.
“I’m never going to make the team.” Jeremy mumbled and threw himself face
down onto the bed.
“Hang in there, Jerm.” Michael said. “There are lots of positions on the
team, and coach knows you’re my brother.” After Jeremy didn’t look up, he
continued, “Even if you aren’t the fastest kid, there are tons of positions
where you can show your strength.
Wait till next week and keep your chin up until the names are posted.”
Jeremy grumbled but didn’t raise his head. “THEN you can feel sorry for
yourself.” Michael concluded and slammed his math book shut.
Regardless of circumstances, it's in our day-to-day lives where we’re to
practice unswerving faith. James tells us that our faith cannot be like
waves of the sea.
The water rushes in to the shore, then dashes back into the deep almost
immediately. To and fro, to and fro. The surf is so predictable, the sound
is as soothing as a lullaby.
Believers are to stand fast when trouble hits. Doubts cast a gray shadow on
our minds when God wants His children to be joy-filled.
The reason we fail to trust God is that when what we see opposes what we
want, we give up. Our visual evidence does not support our requested
petition. Suddenly our request seems impossible. How can we believe that
we’ll receive what we asked for when it appears unattainable? But
our God specializes in the impossible.
He’s Jehovah!
God is pleased when we stand firm and trust Him to provide for our needs. He
is not pleased with doubters. Doubting children make it look like we don’t
think God can do what He promises.
How dare we accuse God of lying—that
is not possible!
Take Home Nugget
Faith grows when we overcome doubt with action. We’re to turn a
blind eye to circumstances and face Jesus who’s standing before us. Grabbing
His hand will show Jesus that we trust Him amid the raging sea of doubt.
Peace returns to our hearts and confidence soars in approaching a new day.
Each day is a new beginning.
Daring to believe that God can do what He promised is a stand of
faith. This pleases God. He can use your situation to provide delight in
the midst of what seems impossible.
J.D. Griffith
