When You’re Out of Options
-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-
One of my dad’s go-to expressions when facing what he sensed was inevitable was “It is what it is.” I love my dad...and I hate that phrase. The words convey a sense of insurmountable inevitability. Perhaps my dad was simply trying to be realistic. From his perspective, there wasn’t another option or outcome. Might as well just name it as such.
Naming something isn’t the same as accepting it. God doesn’t ask us to embrace what we see as inevitable. He gives us authority to change things for the better...with him.
Where in your current situation have you determined things are what they are? You’ll never finish that project. You won’t be out of debt for ten years. You can’t restore your relationship with your son. You’ll never overcome that addiction. Says who? Even if the “facts” support our logic, God defies common sense in the most uncommon ways.
The Red Sea is an impenetrable wall of water in front of Moses and the Israelites. It is what it is...until the sea parts. Water is what it is...until Jesus turns it into wine. The sea is just something you sink in... until Peter walks on it. The crucifixion is the death of Jesus...until it isn’t.
When you feel stuck, remember the only things truly inevitable are the plans of God. What he says will happen, will. Everything else, including our wisdom, is shaky at best.
You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21 NLT)
In stressful situations, when the walls are closing in and there seems to be no way out, resist the pressure to choose the lesser evil. Where we see three options, God has infinite possibilities to rescue and restore us. Our current situation didn’t catch him by surprise.
So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you. (Isaiah 41:10 NCV)
Give your sticking point to God and follow his lead. Then no one and nothing will be what it was…including you. God is our rescuer—but we also have a role to play if we’re serious about getting unstuck. Let’s look at ways to do so…before the bottom falls out.
(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God.Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)
This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).
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