Vol. 12, No. 1, January, 2007

From the Editor
Sr. Jan Nattermann, S.N.C.

In the November 2006 issue I briefly looked at 'wondering' and how it can cause doubt and confusion. James 1:5-8 gives us some practical points to help us overcome wondering and doubt:

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

The double-minded person as James refers to might look like one who goes back and forth about decisions. As soon as a decision is made, the next instant that brings doubt, wondering, and confusion, this person changes his/her mind again and again. This person finds it so difficult to decided on anything. Doubt is a continual companion.

Doubt means to stand in two ways, which speaks to uncertainty, to which way to take. So doubt causes a person to go back and forth between two opinions. Doubt is something that attacks our faith. That is why Elijah, in 1 Kings 18:21 said to the people, "How long will you go limping with two different opinions?"

When we doubt, it is not that we have no faith but that we do have faith and the devil doesn't like that. So our faith is weakened and we see less of the power of God at work when we doubt. One help to overcoming doubt is to know the word of God and use it to counter doubt that we allow into our minds. Doubt will rob us of seeing the fruit of faith.

In Mark 11:23-24 we read: "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Jesus didn't say whatever you ask for in prayer, 'wonder' if you will get it. He said, BELIEVE that you will receive it. That means no doubt allowed. Believe rather than wonder.