DOMINION OVER DARTS OF DOUBT (1)

“But let him ask in faith, with NO DOUBTING, for he who DOUBTS is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” – James 1:6

The Shield of Faith guarantees DOMINION OVER DARTS of DOUBT: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him, but let him ask in faith, with NO DOUBTING, for he who DOUBTS is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (Jam.1: 5-6). This passage specifically concerns praying for wisdom but could apply to other vital needs. God wants us to come to Him convinced that He is the one true Source of Wisdom. Whoever doubts God’s Wisdom or willingness to give it is unlikely to accept what God gives. He or she will consult other sources such as worldly philosophies, false teachers, pop culture, or idols, looking for a second opinion.

The devil uses the Dart of Doubt to plant weakening thoughts about God in hearts and minds, such as: “If God is so good why do bad things happen to us?” “It doesn’t seem that God is really listening to my prayers.” “Can I really believe what God said in an ancient book?” “Why do those who don’t serve God seem to be happier and better off?” Satan wants us to doubt God’s Word. He may also throw darts at us about our salvation, attempting to get us to doubt that we’ve been saved, although we have done everything the Bible says to do to be saved. He could send darts of doubt about other people suggesting, “You can’t trust him” or “She isn’t what she seems.” It is Satan’s pastime to send darts of doubt concerning healing and other covenant blessings!

It would seem odd for a child to look at the mother who pours herself out daily out of love and say, “I don’t believe you love me”! How hurtful and disappointing that would sound! Our Heavenly Father is much more loving, kind, and caring than any mother we could have. His everlasting love is spoken about, written about, and praised throughout history and the Bible. Even with all of this, we still sometimes doubt His love for us, especially when we’re passing through life’s brief dark moments. While we may not often doubt God’s character, we question if His promises are true for us. Our enemy tries to invade our hearts with darts of doubt to draw us away from our God who promises good and glorious things for us, even with all the proof we have.

Hebrews 11:6a says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” So, faith pleases God; doubt displeases God. Our awesome and loving Father loves to give us good things that will help and mature us to be more like Jesus. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift (Jam.1:17). When we ask, God doesn’t tell us we want too much. But what He cherishes is that we believe Him. To doubt is to be double-minded, unstable, or wavering between two opinions; having divided allegiance between our love for God and for things of the world.  A double-minded person is insincere in their claim to trust God as Source, because at the same time they want to hold on to their worldly resources. They’re keeping their options open. They say they have faith, but really they’re non-committal.

The doubter is like a wave in a wind storm, uncertain where he will end up: “Let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (v.7). Are we really putting all our trust in God? Or does our true loyalty lie with the world and with our own resources? It’s a question of loyalty versus hypocrisy. Our Lord Jesus teaches: “No man can serve two masters” (Mt.6:24). The Bible testifies of Abraham: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” (Rom.4:20). He trusted God without wavering and “it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Rom.4:22). We can have similar testimonies!