It is definitely not a beach day, but here we are. The wind is howling, the waves are slamming against pier and shore, and the few beachgoers are plotting alternative forms of recreation. My wife and I, however, are not quitters so we work together to set up our beach cabana. The gusty weather thinks we are here for windsurfing as it gleefully fills the tent like a sail. My wife is moved, literally, by the tempest. She attempts to stabilize the cabana by sitting inside it. Unfortunately, I will either need a much larger wife or a calmer breeze.
I think of James 1:6 where a doubting person is compared to the waves I see today. These waves are splashing without direction, throwing small boats off course, and confusing the waterfowl who are looking for a place to land. Doubt tries to sink faith.
How should I handle doubt? James says the antidote to doubt is to believe. I can do that because I have been to this beach many times before, so I know that the sun will shine, and the waves will welcome me again soon. As I trust this beach, I will trust the one who made it. He is good, even on stormy days. I know that because I know Him.
“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.” (James 1:5-6 ESV)