I hear the phrase, “It is what it is” thrown around by friends and family every week. It is an interesting phrase, isn’t it? I found myself saying that expression last week in response to something that was out of my control and it made me wonder what situations would have made Biblical characters utter these words as well.
So, just for fun – let’s play out a few fictional scenarios!
Noah: Don’t forget you have manure duty on the lower deck today.
Shem: I know. I haven’t forgotten. There is just so much each day.
Noah: It is what it is.
Jonah: Pick me up and throw me into the sea.
Sailors: Okay.
splash
Jonah: Oh! It is stinky and sticky and steamy in here.
Whale: It is what it is.
There are also times in the Bible where people did not adhere to the “it is what it is” attitude.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down and worship the golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar:
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Daniel 3:17-18
These three men knew that their God was the one true God. They were not going to accept the law that had been put into place by the officials. So, when they were thrown into the furnace, instead of burning alive, they walked around the furnace unharmed. And when they came out, even Nebuchadnezzar knew that their God was the Most High God.
How about the poor widow who gave all she had:
As Jesus looked up, he …also saw a poor widow put in 2 very small copper coins. Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
Luke 21: 1-3
No acceptance of tough times for this widow. She gave all she had knowing that God would provide for all her needs.
Beautiful Esther won the heart of the Persian king, and he made her his queen. After that, Mordecai, her cousin, uncovered a plot to destroy the Jews. Esther had faith in God and did not resign herself to the situation she was faced with:
Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.
Esther 4:16
Because Queen Esther knew her God would provide for her, she had courage and boldness and protected her people.
Do you sometimes feel that “It is what it is?” We all do, right? But we need to always remember –
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT)
Our Good, Good Father is constantly searching the earth to strengthen those whose hearts belong to him. We don’t need to have that “it is what it is” attitude because God can do anything!
So, the next time you are contemplating the phrase “it is what it is,” remember this –
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
and know that God can take the impossible and make it whatever He wants it to be!
