COME BOLDLY BEFORE THE THRONE
 We find written in the book of James not only a promise but
instruction as to how to pray. James is often referred to in the history of the
early church as 'James the Just' or 'James the Greater' and was the half brother of
Jesus and a leader of the early church. In early church history we learn that
James was such a devoted man of prayer that he had large knees with thick
calluses that looked like the knees of a camel. He was martyred in Jerusalem by being beaten to death while
praying for his attackers.
 James teaches us that we are able to ask God for anything we lack; indeed
God is the only one who can meet our needs and only waits for us to come to Him
in faith to do so. He not only wants to give us the things we need but wants to
give them liberally. But let us ask in faith; our request for wisdom must be made like all
other requests we make of God – IN FAITH, without doubting His desire or ability to give us His wisdom.
By asking in faith, without doubt, we are showing the kind of heart we need in
seeking God’s wisdom, a heart that believes God’s word, and believes it speaks
to us today and is relevant to our lives.
“And upbraideth not,” James adds this to assure us that God does not
despise our requests but receives them without reproach, for He is ever ready to
pour His blessings upon us without any limitation. Those looking for true wisdom
will always ask of God then turn to the source of all wisdom. True wisdom will
always be consistent with God’s word. I have found that as I grow closer and
stronger in my walk by faith the scriptures open up to me and I find myself
gaining understanding where once there were only words. As I learn to let go of
self the Holy Spirit leads to understanding.
Let us consider how express and particular the
promise: “It shall be given him." James shows this is not a promise we can take lightly.
Consider then the plight of those foolish enough to perish in their foolishness
if wisdom can be had for the asking and they will not pray to God for it.
The human condition lends itself
to a constant doubt. We doubt ourselves,
we doubt God, we doubt His word and therefore faith comes slow and with
difficulty. But, God requires that we gain the faith to know without doubt
that His promises are true and faithful. As we grow in the word and give
ourselves over to the Holy Spirit He teaches us how to leave our doubts behind
and walk by faith.
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