Please read the following verses from James 1:6-10.
Walk by faith.
1. When we make a request of God how are we to pose our question (v. 6)?
The Greek word for faith used faith in verse 6 is pistis which means assurance, belief, guarantee. Our assurance is not so much that we believe God will do exactly as we ask, but that He will do exactly when we ask according to His perfect will.
2. What happens to us if we do not ask in faith (v. 6)?
The Greek word used for tossed in verse 6 is ripzo which means to toss to and fro, of persons whose mind wavers in uncertainty between hope and fear, between doing and not doing a thing (BLB, 2025). I have definitely been in this position before, thrashing in the waters of doubt, torn apart by an ocean of wavering thoughts. But God wants us to anchor our soul to Him and stay out of the pounding surf of indecision. Make a decision to trust Him to deliver you.
3. Is verse 7 just a warning or a a promise?
I checked a few commentaries on this particular question. Faith pleases God. When we ask, we are to come boldly before His throne. We either chose to trust him or we don’t. Therefore, help us Lord Jesus, to have one heart that trusts only in You, Amen.
4. How is the doubting person described in verse 8?
He or she is described as being double-minded and unstable. Double-minded comes from the Greek word dipsychos which means two-souled, two-spirited, and divided interests between God and the world (BLB, 2025). We must decide this day whom we will serve, God or the world. For me, I have to take a strong stance against my feelings and trust God. My feelings areas fickle as Michigan weather in May, spring one day and winter the next (Michiganders call this Sprinter). I cannot trust my feelings.
5. How should a prideful person and a humble person feel about the their circumstances (vs.8-9)?
How I wish I could say that I always boldly approach God with faith and no doubting. I want to please God and walk by faith. Maybe you have felt the same way. Let us take heart in that God created us and He knows that we are dust. But He is a God of grace and mercy who reminds me my faith is not in anchored in my faith, but in Him. And He is always faithful to me.
If any of this resonated with your heart, please leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!
God Bless! Mary Kane
Copyright 2025. all rights reserved.
Resources:
G4494 – ripizō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nkjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4494/nkjv/tr/0-1/
“G1374 – dipsychos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 14 Apr, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1374/kjv/tr/0-1/>.
