It is what it is, or is it?

I am usually NOT one to pick up on the latest “sayings” or use the latest slang. In fact, my teenage son often reminds me that my chosen vernacular is a tad bit outdated. But one current saying that I have picked up on is the statement “It is what it is?” I know you have heard it before. I think it has become the new life slogan for a number of people. When I say it I am usually referring to a particular situation and the fact that things are what they are, no more or no less and I must accept it. Just the other day I said it in response to someone without even thinking about it and I was instantly convicted. The Holy Spirit basically asked me “Is it really? Is that how you operate?” I quickly had to repent because when I say,  “It is what it is” I am definitely not operating in faith. I am looking at things from a natural perspective, which totally goes against what the Word says. I know we are all human and we get discouraged sometimes by what we see in our lives, the lives of our children or even in the world, but if we are going to please God we must operate in faith. We read in Hebrews 11:6 “For without faith it is impossible to please Him.” I desire to please God, but I know I can’t do it by living by what I see and neither can you. We are not to look at things with our natural eyes, but we must see things the way that God sees them. For example:

·     - Sometimes we see impossibilities. But God sees accomplishment. “Is there anything too hard for God?” Jeremiah 32:27

·      - Sometimes we see defeat. But God sees victory! “We are more than conquerors.” Romans 8:37

·      - Sometimes we see death. But God sees a fulfilled life! You shall live and not die! Psalms 118:17

·     - Sometimes we see that our adversary is winning the battle. But God sees a defeated foe! “Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.” I John 4:4

His perspective is so much better than ours. I want what I see to line up with what He sees. I am making a conscious effort to change what I see. No longer will I say “It is what It Is” but I will proclaim: “It is what He says it is! I hope you will do the same.

~ For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7