It Is What It Is!

There are situations that you just have to accept.  People that you just have to accept.  Circumstances that you just have to accept.

Can't change it. Can't fix it.  Can't manipulate it.  Can't erase it.

Sometimes you have to say: IT IS WHAT IT IS!

Paul says it another way... In Philippians 4:11-13, he says, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Contentment isn't necessarily a natural response, especially to uncomfortable situations... Contentment is learned behavior.  Like Paul, we must LEARN how to be content regardless of how high or low things may be.

We should always be content because God will cause all things to work together for our good.

Now, I warn you... There is a difference between CONTENTMENT and SETTLING.  When you are outside of the will of God, don't get comfortable!  You may find yourself settling in less that (God's) favorable situations.  But, when you know that are exactly where God wants you to be, pray for God to give you His peace.  He will do it.  And when troubles come, you can say "IT IS WHAT IT IS!"

Scriptures to meditate on:

"All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

"For I know the plans that I have for you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." -Jeremiah 29:11

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7

Prayer:

"God, thank you for your peace that surpasses understanding.  Thank you for loving me in spite of me.  Thank you for having plans for me.  Even when there are situations that alarm me, you are very trustworthy.  I know that I can depend on you.  Help me to rest in your arms.  Help me to learn the art of contentment. In Jesus name, Amen."

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It's your SPRING!

     In Columbia, South Carolina last week was filled with significant amounts of rain and thunderstorms.  There were two days last week where many public schools canceled all afternoon activities and dismissed school early.  For some, including myself, it seemed to be a bit an overreaction to a stormy forecast.  There were tornado watches and warnings in effect, but that's what tornado drills are for in school, right?  For others, it seemed to be the perfect response to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

     I had to pick my new cat up from the vet's office after my lunch break and when I was dropping her back off at home, I began to understand why many districts chose to send children home and some jobs sent their employees home...  The wind was terrible.  There was rain and hail falling from the sky in buckets.  I was praying to God that I would make it back to work safely.  But, I saw just how bad the storm was.

     On my way back to the office, my bosses were trying to reach me to tell me to stay at home, but I was closer to work than I was to home.  I made it safely and watched the storm pass from the comfort of my office building...

     Since the beginning of April, it just seems like we've gotten significantly more rain.  Then I remembered that popular phase "April showers bring May flowers! and the Lord laid some things in my spirit that I wanted to share.

1) Seasons change! Rain and storms occur when hot air and cold air come together.  Spring is the season between winter and summer.  Rain is normal in this particular season because of the change that is taking place in the atmosphere.  Maybe you're experiencing some storms in your life. But, it's okay.  It has a purpose.  God is changing things from bad to better.  From alright to awesome.  From so-so to supernatural!!!  The storm in your finances.  The storm in your marriage.  The storm of depression.  The storm of insecurity.  The storm of unsuccessful.  The storm of disappointment.  The storm of bad health.  The storm of confusion.  The storm will so bee over.  The sun is going to come out and things are going to be alright and the storms you're facing are proof that the atmosphere is changing.  Proverbs 30:5 says, "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning."

2)  Your flowers need watering!  Marvin Sapp has a song called Place of Worship that I absolutely love.  Here are some of the lyrics:  "Go find your place of worship. Look into your pain and find your praise.  Every low place in your life prepared you for your high place and every tear you cried was water for the garden of your victory..."  The storms are coming because the rain that falls are providing nourishment for the flowers of success, flowers of faith, trees of prosperity, and grasslands of peace in your life.  Those tears you've been crying have been to provide water for the garden of your victory.

3)  The sun will shine!  I am so glad that trouble don't last always.  April showers won't last forever.  I'm not saying that there won't be any summer storms.  Because every season of life has it's own set of storms... But I am saying that overall we can expect the severest April showers to bring us beautiful May flowers.  It will be over soon.  It will be alright.  Those stormy days won't last forever.  And you'll look back and say that it was truly worth it!

God bless you!

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