Come Up Here And See

This statement “It Is What It Is” has been a source of irritation to me, and I have been trying to figure out why. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit showed me why.

When I have heard “It Is What It Is” there has been no faith or hope spoken that God can change the outcome. There is no belief God will answer their prayers.

Different bible stories came to my mind of what would have happened if they said, “Well it is what is” with no hope attached. So, I thought we would look at some of our heroes and be thankful that they did not say, “It is what it is”.

What if when the Lord promised Abram a son and God told him to count the stars, and Abe said no way, it is what it is, my wife Sarai is barren, and we will not have any children. Abe would not be the father of nations. One of my favorite scriptures of Abram believing the Lord would not have been written.

• Genesis 15:6 NKJV And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

What about the man with the sick son coming to Jesus? The boy was possessed by a demon, convulsions with foaming at the mouth what if the father just said, well it is what it is and never went to Jesus asking for healing? Thankfully this daddy stepped out with faith. He also admitted to the Lord, help my unbelief. That daddy did not just accept the circumstances but wanted more for his son. Thankfully he moved forward to the Lord and did not keep saying, well it is what it is.

• Mark 9:21-24 NASB And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us, and help us!” ²³ But Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

What if David said, “Well boys, it is what it is”, we can never beat a 9-foot giant, and ran away. No, he was indignant that the giant had not been killed by Saul and his army. David said let no man’s heart fail. After explaining he killed a lion and a bear, he picked up five smooth stones and knocked out Goliath with the first stone. He drew his sword and killed Goliath.

• 1 Samuel 17:23 TLB “Don’t worry about a thing,” David told him. “I’ll take care of this Philistine!”

What if Nehemiah, when he heard Jerusalem’s walls were broken and its gates burned with fire said, “It is What it is”. What if he did not fast and pray? What if Nehemiah had no plan? What if, when he heard about Sanballat and Tobiah’s plan to stop them rebuilding the walls, told the boys it is what it is, and we might as well give up. No, they rebuilt the walls as an army. They were determined. They rebuilt the walls in 52 days after decades of brokenness.

• Nehemiah 4:17 AMPC Those who built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves so that everyone worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other hand,

As Christ’s followers, we must ask the Holy Spirit, “How do You want me to speak about this circumstance?” Maybe your life situation has changed, and you must deal with new turns of events, but we must guard our mouths and minds so that faith is declared.

• Psalm 141:3 TLB Help me Lord to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed.
• Psalm 141:3 NASB Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
• Proverbs 18:21 NASB Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

I am thankful that God never said about me, or you, “Well it is what it is” and left us where we were. No, God the Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to save the world. Jesus went to the cross carrying our sins and redeemed us. He trusted that we would come to our senses and repent like the prodigal son. The Lord is patient with us because He wants a relationship with us.

• Luke 15:17 NASB But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger!

• 2 Peter 3:9 NASB The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, barren, or you are standing before a giant. Maybe there are family walls broken down with no protection against the enemy, or you have a sick family, do what the Holy Spirit taught you. Speak only with faith and hope. Remember that God is your Healer, Provider, Peace, Righteousness and much more. Trust and believe that the Holy Spirit answers prayers.

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

• Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer

• Romans 8:24-25 ESV For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

• Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Spirit of the Living God, I thank You for teaching us how to speak with hope and faith. Reveal to us where we have spoken hopeless statements so that we can repent and ask forgiveness. We are grateful that You have not given up on us but continue to convict us and encourage us. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Like, subscribe, review, and share to encourage others.

Flower Photo by Annie Spratt