Doubt—it's that little voice that whispers to us in our trials. It says, "But what if God doesn't come through?" We've all heard it. But today, James warns us that doubt and the whispers of doubt can wreak storm-like havoc on our faith. And we will discover the right response to doubt is surprising, simple, steady, and strong.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. [Don't forget at the end of the week, we will do a review of the entire chapter on the Vince Miller Show]

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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; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:5-12

In my life, trials have a way of turning my heart and mind toward a defensive mentality or a defeatist mentality. I am sure you are no different. When I encounter a trial, I either try to defend myself against the trial, using my own ingenuity to work my way around it or out of it. Or, if the trial goes on too long, I get this defeatist mentality where I want to give up.

But this text says there is a far better answer to navigating our trials: It's to ask God [circle those words] for the wisdom we lack in our trials. I hate to say it, but this is the missing step that amplifies the drift of doubt.

Too many believers live lives of secret self-exaltation. They spend too much time trying to work a way out of their trials or ruminating on the trials while they drift far into a sea of doubt. Instead, we should be humble, submissive, trust, and turn to God, who can provide wisdom for the trial. And if we do the latter, we are blessed and will receive the crown of life.

When trials crash over you, resist the urge to paddle on your own ingenuity or sink into defeat. Instead, stop and ask God for wisdom—that’s the step that anchors your faith and steadies you in the storm. Write it down, circle it, underline it: Ask God. Then trust that he will give it. Repeat it until it becomes a habit because your storm isn’t the problem—it's how you face it.

Your storm isn’t the problem—it's how you face it.

#FaithOverDoubt, #AskGod, #SteadfastUnderTrials

1. When faced with trials, do you rely on your own wisdom, or do you pause to ask God for guidance?
2. How has doubt affected your faith during past challenges?
3. What step can you take today to build the habit of asking God for wisdom?
4. In what ways can you trust God more fully to provide wisdom during your current trial?

Ask God. Right now!

Father, in my trials, help me to trust You completely and ask for the wisdom I need. Strengthen my faith so I can remain steadfast and receive the blessings You promise. Amen.

Lord, I Need You.

When was the last time you were really excited about a spiritual trial in your life? Never? Well, wait till you hear what James has to say about that.

Welcome to the Daily Devo.

If you are new here, we study our way through the bible book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and day-by-day. I want you to show up here every day. Here is what you will get: daily devotionals through a chapter for 6 days and, on day 7, a study of the whole chapter. Grab your James Scripture Journal, take notes, and follow along.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. — James 1:2-4

Highlight these key verses. They introduce the first of 12 factors James addresses to help us “Grow Up Spiritually”—trials.

No one likes trials, especially the kind that hit you out of nowhere—a family sickness, job loss, or tragedy. No one celebrates those moments. But that’s not what James means by “Count it all joy.” He’s urging us to look beyond the trial to see its purpose. Trials refine us. They produce steadfastness and build a full, complete faith.

Take a moment today to reflect on a current or past trial. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What is God teaching me?” Write it down. Too often, we rush through trials without recognizing how God is using them to grow us.

The other day, my wife and I were hit with an unexpected expense. My gut response? Definitely not joy. But once I got past my irritation, I realized God was teaching me something practical—plan better for emergencies. Even I have to work at this, just like you. Complaining won’t help when we worship a God who uses trials to refine us.

Remember, trials aren’t setbacks—they’re setups for spiritual growth. Sometimes, you just need to stop long enough to see how.

#SpiritualGrowth, #FaithThroughTrials, #CountItAllJoy

1. What trial are you facing today, and how might God be using it to grow your faith?
2. How can shifting your focus from "why me" to "what's God teaching me" change your perspective on trials?
3. What has a past trial taught you about steadfastness and trusting God’s refining process?
4. How does seeing trials as spiritual growth opportunities help you embrace them with joy?

Ask, “What is God teaching me?”

Lord, help me to see trials not as burdens but as opportunities to grow in faith and steadfastness. Teach me to trust Your refining work in my life, even when it’s hard to understand. Amen.

Teach Me To Obey.

Imagine living far from home, surrounded by people who don’t understand your culture, your faith, or your struggles. Every day feels like a battle to remain faithful while navigating pressure to compromise. Can you imagine that? I can!

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: — James 1:1

James opens his letter with a greeting to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion." These are Jewish converts (now Christians) who have been scattered across the land, originating from persecution following Stephen's death (Acts 8:1). Many of these new believers ran from Jerusalem to escape hostility, only to encounter new challenges in foreign lands. They were strangers in hostile environments, wrestling with poverty, discrimination, and the daily grind of trying to live out their faith in a world that opposed them.

But James doesn't just acknowledge and empathize with their situation—he equips and empowers them to live in their situation. This little letter that got passed on from group to group addresses all the practical issues believers were encountering, like trials (James 1:2-4), temptation (1:13-15), talk (3:1-12), and treasure (2:1-9; 5:1-6). At the core, James is calling them to a faith that works itself out in everyday life—one that is not merely thought about but lived out through daily action.

I think many believers today can relate to the cultural challenges the Dispersion faced. We live, attend school, and work in cultures that oppose our values and beliefs. Brothers and sisters, we are swimming against the tide. The tide is strong, and for some of us, it is getting stronger. Like the Dispersion, there are some of you who feel scared, scattered, or secluded.

However, as you will read in this letter, James's response to them is sympathetic but strong: "It's time to grow up."

This message is so relevant to our time. You can complain about the challenges of our culture or bring about change. You do this by being light in the darkness. You live it out.

You are the Dispersion—shine where you're scattered.

#FaithInAction, #ShineInTheDarkness, #LiveTheGospel

1. Where do you feel scattered or out of place in your faith?
2. How are you living out your faith daily?
3. What challenges in your culture test your commitment to Christ?
4. How can you shine as light in your current environment?

Shine where you are scattered.

Father, help me live out my faith with courage and integrity, even when the world is against me. Strengthen me to be a light, reflecting Your love and truth wherever I am. Amen.

Shine A Light.