This week’s devotional was written by Heidi Chausse, Imagine Church’s Ministerial Intern.
“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.” James 1:5-7
I was in the sea, being tossed around as if nothing in life mattered. I had just buried my middle son, Patrick. It was a day not like any other and one I never hope to repeat, but God was there. He was there in the family and friends who came from places far away to comfort us. He was there in the Patriot Guard who honored Patrick with a final salute and escorted his body to his final resting place; his physical body, not the soul, for we know with whom he rests. He was there in the offer of a condo from a friend I hadn’t seen in years. And He was there in the rainbow. It was a small rainbow, not one that stretched across the sky. Not one that appears when it’s raining and the sun is shining. It wasn’t raining and the sun was not shining. The skies were overcast over the Gulf Coast and for just a few moments it appeared. It hung in the sky, a vertical line, from this world to the heavens. It was God in His glory reminding me that He was there.
Often people will use this verse to say that you will receive whatever you ask for if you just have faith enough. I have faith, but no amount of faith would bring Patrick’s physical body back to life. However, that is not what this verse says. The word says, “if you lack wisdom” ask God and He will answer. “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (Job 28:28). Fear is not just terror and being afraid, it is reverence, awe, and amazement at the wonders of His hand and the greatness of His power.
I lacked wisdom. Why would He take my child? I lacked wisdom. How do I go on and live in my sorrow? I lacked wisdom and I cried out in faith, not doubting but certainly tossed about by the waves, and He answered me. He answered in a rainbow. I could go on because He was there. He took my child because Patrick was His first. These may not be the answers we want to hear in life but sometimes those are the ones that come. God was there. In every tear, every moment of anger and disbelief, every moment of sorrow and every step moving forward, He carried me. The rainbow went from earth to the sky, from this life to the next. There is no death in faith. There is no doubt in the hope of the resurrection. There is no tossing in the waves that can overcome us in the hands of our God.
Are you in the sea being tossed about like a buoy in the waves? What do you need to ask in faith? Where do you need to see God answering your prayers? Do not doubt for our God is there. He has sent a rainbow.
Most loving, Father, creator of the world and all that is in it. You control the natural wonders of the earth. You place rainbows in the sky. You give wisdom to those who seek it. Help us to remember each day that you are there. In the midst of our storms, let our questioning be the prayers of faith. In our lives, let our hearts turn to you in prayer. You remind us each day of your presence as night and day move seamlessly from one to the other. You remind us that you are here as we awake to the songs of a new day. You sent your Son to die for us. He was with us. You sent your Spirit to dwell in us. He is your presence with us. Thank you for your promises and for your presence. Give us grateful hearts for each day including the trials that they bring, so that when a rainbow comes, we will remember that you are there. In your Son’s holy and mighty name, we pray. Amen
