“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
This is my husband’s favorite saying: “It is what it is.”
It has gotten us through much: My challenges over the past umpteen years, his cancer and subsequent stem cell transplant, and then a heart valve replacement and aortic aneurysm. Now, my diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy adds to the list.
I am learning that “it is what it is.” I am learning that I need to handle what is happening in the here and now.
I’m not saying I don’t pray about whatever is happening. I do. I depend on a lovely group of women for prayer support, as well. I’ve seen miracles happen through prayer.
And yet. . . until something changes. . .it is what it is. Fretting and worrying doesn’t help. Living in “if only” land just brings me pain, regrets, bitterness and heartache.
My husband also adds something to that comment. He says, “It is what it is and we (meaning God and ourselves) will handle it.”
I marvel at his attitude. It is so reassuring for me to hear those words.
I am learning that acceptance is key. My stress levels go down when I don’t fight internal battles – either with myself or with God.
I admit I don’t always like it. I’d be lying if I said I accept all things joyfully. That is a lesson I am still learning and will probably keep on learning while I am on this earth. I’m not to the point of being content with all that has happened. Yet, in some strange way, it is okay–because it has gotten me to where I am in life right now spiritually.
I am learning to trust God. I’m learning that eventually, it will be okay. I’m learning that with God’s help. . . I can deal with it.
I’m learning that “it is what it is” and when it needs to be different–it will be.
So today, I choose to listen to God’s voice telling me, “deni, it is what it is and we will handle it together.”
Amen.
About the Author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple challenges (Ankylosing Spondylitis, Porphyria, Celiac Sprue, and Atrial Fibrillation to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic health challenges. She can be reached at EncouragingWords@me.com .Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Why Does It Have to Hurt So Bad? When The Pain Won’t Go Away (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
- Brick Walls Everywhere You Turn (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 