Five People Who Can’t Pray
Doubting People – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6

Key Verse: James 1:6-7

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…

We have been studying those who can’t pray. Of course, these people can say words and call them prayers. Our underlying assumption is that prayers are our words that get to God and are effective with God. We want to learn good communication with God and that doesn’t come by saying lots of words. It’s much like our marriages where lots of words don’t make for good communication. Three-hour arguments are indications of how poor a couple is at communicating their thoughts!

When we are communicating with God, we must believe in Him and trust His openness to us. Our Key Verse reminds us that we should not believe that we will receive anything from God if we doubt Him. I believe the reason for this is what “doubt” says about God. It insults His love. It diminishes His power and ability. Doubt is a slanderous approach to a God who deserves much better! Doubt is sin.

As the Hebrew writer wrote: those who come to God must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Certainly, we don’t know, at times, what God’s will is for a given situation. Doubt does not allow for God’s purposes. Jesus prayed; “Father, if it be your will.” For those few moments He wondered what God’s will would be. Jesus had total faith in God’s power to act in whatever way He would choose. We must examine our prayers, searching out any seeds of doubt and give God what He deserves: our trust!

Father, if I have doubt, please point it out! I want to walk this day in total trust and faith. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ Name, amen.