“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:5-8

When trials come, it is easy to waver.  Is He, or isn’t He?  Will He, or won’t He?  Doubts about who God is and what He will do can begin to creep in.  If we aren’t careful, we’ll find ourselves being tossed to and fro.

I used to think that the person described here doesn’t receive wisdom from God because He became angry due to their wavering and distrust.  And this could be.  But here’s another thought – imagine you’ve just sat down at a restaurant, and the server comes over to take your drink order.  The conversation goes something like this,

Server – “What can I bring you to drink?”

You – “I’ll have water with no lemon.  No, make that lemonade.   Hmmm.  Do I want water or lemonade?  I think I should stick with water.  But I love your lemonade.  Do you still have the raspberry lemonade?  Yes, I’ll have the lemonade.  You know what – I’m going to stick with water.  I need to drink more water.  Actually, I think . . .”

Here’s the thing – your server can’t bring your beverage, not because he or she doesn’t want to, but because you keep going back and forth in your request.  Of course, this isn’t a perfect analogy by a long shot, but it’s something to think about.

We all want to exercise wisdom when facing trials.  When we lack wisdom, or don’t know what to do, it is important that we ask God – believing wholeheartedly that He will hear and respond.  The middle of a trial is not the time to begin a back and forth internal dialog over the trustworthiness of God.  But it can be so easy to do.

What are your beliefs about God?  Not the ones you say out loud when talking to other church people – but the ones that are evident in how you live?  Do you believe He is generous when it comes to the wisdom He gives?  Do you believe that, if you ask Him for wisdom, He will gladly give it to you?  When your back is against the wall, do you believe that God has answers for you – and that through prayer and studying His Word, you can discern those answers?  Or, do you find yourself going back and forth?

Wavering is not only draining, but also unproductive.  Let’s strive to stand firm in our belief that when trials come, God can give us the wisdom we need.