“It is what it is.” Haven’t we heard that phrase a bit too much? I have never said it. I have had it said to me only once. When I heard it I felt the person saying it thought there was nothing they could do to change the situation. Or worse, they knew something was terribly wrong but they really didn’t care to think further on it.
People are corrupting our society. “It is what it is.” We allowed prayer to be taken out of our schools. “It is what it is.” Traditional marriage is under attack. Oh well, “it is what it is.” Our grandchildren’s futures look bleak. You got it, “It is what it is.” The beheading of innocent men, women and children for their faith in Christ is certainly terrible. But, “It is what it is?”
I am writing this primarily to myself. Writing in a journal is a good way to, “Snap myself out of malaise!” I am sharing it with you as something to think on and pray over. Why is it, what it is? Who is sitting on the side lines? I fear it is believers. Have we taken to sitting along side the world as observers? Safe in Jesus but making no effort to bring about change? I am guilty as charged. I become upset at the transformation I see in my country. I need to let my congressmen know my thoughts on issues. Not just sit quietly.
Believers should never view tragedy, problems, sickness and death as “it is what it is” situations. Because there are solutions to those issues. We have tools. Reading God’s word. There is nothing that happens in this world that hasn’t happened in ancient times and is recorded there. The sacrifice of children, beheading, annihilation, famines, earthquakes and on it goes. God knows.
It started in the garden. That first disobedient act that put our first parents outside the security gates. Thrust into a world where the choice to do good or evil was a daily battle. No longer living a protected life within the gates. The knowledge of good and evil would present itself to every being that drew a breath. Along with the good, we are going to experience some bad. That fact is not God’s fault. That choice was made by His first children. God’s word is a perfect place to start, right from the security gates of the garden. The place made with love and cast aside by disobedient children.
Prayer is a tool. I use that tool many times a day. Remember whispered prayers that were answered? But aren’t there some that the answer did not come? Four of the most heart wrenching, pleading prayers of my life, were not answered for me. Did the death of all my birth family before their time, mean God did not hear my prayers? It did not. It meant that my prayers would not provide the best answer for them. It was them He wanted to draw close. His desire was to remove them from sickness, fear and worry, to live a new life with no end. So, after much prayer and study, I take comfort that our separation is temporary. They reside with Jesus and I reside in an “it is what it is society.” That thought leaves no doubt that our loved ones who have crossed over, are blessed.
Thought For Today:
I wonder what God must think when He hears a child of His make such a remark about sin and evildoers? I imagine Him shaking His mighty head. Have we not learned from our relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father, that with God, nothing “is what it is.” All things are possible through Christ. The prayers of the faithful can turn people and countries literally upside down. God has to hear from us. He needs to hear our concerns and our calls for help. If we just resolve to be like pitiful sheep trapped on our back, unable to get up, yet not willing to call our Shepherd to help us, then…It truly “is what it is.
Helen Keller was right. What we are looking for is found within us. It is not going to come from the world. As believers, overcoming is born in the heart that belongs to Jesus. What we are looking for is in you and in me. We are meant to be soldiers in Christ. participators in godly change. Rebukers of evil. Not, see no evil, hear no evil, do nothing sheep.
For years, I misunderstood todays scripture. I did not understand until I walked with my family to Heavens door. It was then that the revelation came. No matter what happens to us. Even if the outcome is not what we prayed or hoped for. God never leaves us alone. He is our protector. All things work together for God’s children. He has provided a place of rest. It is His decision when the work is done on this side. Until then the harvest is before us. There is work to be done. We cannot look at the evil in the world and make our last word on the subject, “it is what it is.” What is our purpose?
Scripture For Today:
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NTL)
Scripture For Today:
Hello Father! We know that no matter what happens in the lives of Your children, good will come out of the trials. We pray for understanding and direction in a world that has gone haywire. We pray for patient, prayerful perseverance in carrying out our part.We pray for boldness to speak up and demand change when confronted with ungodliness. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.