As the rain and snow

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
You are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you…
Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:1-5

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

The rain pounds its little fists on the metal roof this morning, threatening to give the day a headache. Driven and relentless it knocks, but I will not give in to its menace. The ground needs its nourishment, so I choose to welcome the gift and dismiss the brooding intimidation. The storm will lift, it always lifts, and I welcome the soak it’s left behind.

When life storms grumble, we can receive their goodness without bending under the clouds. They force disruption in our peace, noise in our quiet, and damp on our careful plans, but they also cause us to pause, to wonder at their sound, and to be refreshed by their wet bounty. For our hopeless or hardened hearts, storms can permeate the impossible and soften the fixated will. They can wash fresh a perspective crusty with resentment, blank with despair, or narrow with self-will. They bring new beginnings of energy, resolve, and outlook that propel us to new heights of thought, new depths of possibility.

Why are we so repelled by rainstorms? What causes our retreat from them altogether? Do we bemoan the wet strands of conflict as annoying or interruptive, or mucky difficulties as weighty burdens that impede our progress? Or would we relish the heaven-sent liquid, and look to learn how to handle such circumstances with alacrity, grace, and fortitude? Do we quickly poke out our self-righteous umbrellas to avoid inconveniences, or see coming showers as opportunities to exercise our faith to new limits? Would we receive the good provisions of rain but shake off the shroud of cloud?

“Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
shelters thee under his wings, ye so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen all how thy desires e’er have been
granted in what He ordaineth?” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Lord of life, bring on Your rain and let it have its way. Turn me from brooding in the cloud to looking beyond and above to heaven’s blue, from where You reign in omniscience, grace, and goodness.

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Dress for action like a man;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.

‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?’..

“Then Job answered the Lord and said:

‘I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
“Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?”
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
“Hear, and I will speak;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.”
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
    and repent in dust and ashes.’” Job 38:1-7; 42:1-6

One of the most powerful characteristics of Job is that in all his loss and suffering of body and soul, he never stopped his ears to the Lord. He who had responded to unimaginable grief and affliction with worship was the same blameless and upright Job who listened to the God he feared. Wrestling with his Lord, and soaking in his Lord, his whole being was saturated with a high view of this God who spoke out of the whirlwind. (Job 1:1,20-22)

Letting God sink into our inadequacies, our confusion, our pain, our fears, is to allow Him space to show His love and graces off. Job wrestled, cried, and agonized with brutal, honest questions, and through these discovered in the Lord an indescribable wonderful he hadn’t imagined, and vast beauty he hadn’t seen.

Into what circumstances, what unquenchable and impossible situations, will we invite our able God to have His way? When we do, we will surely be brought to our knees before His sovereign power, and His work on our behalf will awaken irrepressible song.

“What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul?
What wondrous love is this, O my soul?
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I Am,
while millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.” ~Author unknown, American folk hymn (1836)

Father, captivate me with You. May Your wondrous love so sink in, to soak my heart and imbue my senses, that I welcome Your sovereign purposes with glad surrender.

“Give ear to my words, O LORD;
    consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch…

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.
Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make your way straight before me…

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:1-3,7-8,11-12

In the morning. There is nothing like the morning. Early and day by day, our loving Father bids us enter the heavenly temple of His presence by way of His merciful, immeasurable, unshakable love. We prepare a sacrifice of time, of honesty, of ourselves. We bear up on wings a high sacrifice of focused praise, genuine thanksgiving, humble confession, and earnest groaning. The Lord receives our reverence and our words. He considers our soul pleas with loving compassion and wisdom, and tends our needs as we leave the offering and watch, waiting and expectant.

Does our morning voice need clearing? Do our days break open with fretting, planning, and running, or with a bow, contemplation of the Divine, and verbal worship? Are we deliberate to ask for guidance and insight, and do we wait for them before acting, speaking, sending?

Pressured by emotion, vitriol, fear of being exposed, will we vocalize our desperation for the righteous way, and the will to do it? When love has grown stale, faith cold, and inspiration dry, how committed are we in prayer to our Sovereign King who rules them all, and how courageous to employ His provision and follow His lead? Self-will, thoughtless repair, and manmade protection will fail, but God can do the impossible.

When we take spiritual refuge in the true God, we find joy, favor, security, and blessing. Groaning is assuaged, cries are quieted, anxieties subside, and souls are settled.

“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
that calls me from a world of care, 
and bids me at my Father’s throne 
make all my wants and wishes known. 
In seasons of distress and grief, 
my soul has often found relief, 
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare 
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
thy wings shall my petition bear 
to him whose truth and faithfulness 
engage the waiting soul to bless. 
And since he bids me seek his face, 
believe his word, and trust his grace, 
I’ll cast on him my every care, 
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!” ~ William W. Walford (1845)

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, early in the morning my song shall rise to Thee. Accept my offering, and lead me.

“You know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. Though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. We never came with words of flattery, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people,.. though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

“For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

His experience of suffering, shameful treatment, and conflict could have aroused retaliation, deception, asserting of rights, or boasting. All would have been justified had he been earthly-bound and self-protective. But Paul had one desire: to proclaim the gospel and see Jesus change lives, and so his every ounce of energy, intent, and emotion was spent to that end.

God’s word is powerful, living, and unchanging in every situation. Only the Lord makes it take root and grow. But life offers many conditions into which we spread the gospel, and we would be prudent to apply the right combination of motivation and grace when we do so. The first hint of falseness, trickery, greed, self-exaltation, or hypocritical mismatch for our message will repel otherwise earnest seekers. (Psalm 119:89; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Hebrews 4:12)

God fashioned an attractive combination in Paul of boldness for Christ’s sake, parental affection, and gentle forthrightness. He was a hard worker, above reproach in character, unselfish, and he allowed the power of the Spirit free flow. The proof of his effectiveness in ministry is the Thessalonians themselves, who received God’s truth, welcomed its work in their lives, and passed it on. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-8)

Are there persnickety attitudes, annoying idiosyncrasies, or selfish habits that limit our willingness or fruitfulness in God’s work? How worthy of God’s honor is our walk? How warm is our heart, and appealing our manner? Do we prefer and pamper ourselves more than those the Lord has placed in our lives? Do we look to take advantage of every perk, or of unsuspecting people, rather than set ourselves aside for the gospel’s sake?

Lord, work Your word in me so it can work through me. May every aspect of my life preach Your gospel.

“It was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:14-20

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

There’s a beautiful flow of exchanges in God’s economy, but it is not balanced. We can never out-give God. When we supply for others’ needs, we receive an irrepressible return. Our gifts are actually a pleasing offering to bountiful God, and somehow, supernaturally, we are credited with great gain that not only supplies our needs, but brings Him glory.

Why is it so hard to let go, and give? We want to hold on, we think we need, we want to be safe, when all the while the riches in glory in Christ Jesus await those who let go, who share trouble, enter into partnership in ministry, help needs once and again. It is no risky investment to give sacrificially to God’s work.

What keeps us from participating in the giving and receiving of God’s people? Do we prefer the lone life, where we can order every detail with self-sufficiency? Do we allow too much time to pass when opportunity arises, and by procrastination miss out on contributing? Do we spend our time figuring what who else should share the load, rather than asking God how much He would have us give? Are we busying ourselves with less important occupations that we arrogantly deem more important, and so neglect our duty? Do we donate meagerly to check off a box, not thoughtfully as the Spirit prompts? Are we persnickety about what and how we want to give, instead of seeking how the Lord would stretch us to serve?

On the receiving end, what keeps us from expressing need, and receiving from others what God has put in their hearts to give? Do pride and shame prevent our admitting where we fall short, need help, or are even desperate? How might we be forsaking others in the Body of Christ from fulfilling their duty to give, to come alongside, to share in the hardship, because of our self-will and stubbornness?

Paul gave and gave to the end of glorifying his Christ, and was willing to receive God’s provision to supply what he needed along the way. Would we trust God enough to give up our management and control of how we think it should happen, and offer ourselves to give and receive any way God deems right, for His glory alone? (Philippians 3:7)

Lord, guide me in both generous giving and grateful receiving, to the building up of Your Body, and the magnification of glory to You.

“I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you…’

And you shall rejoice in the Lord;
    in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.

When the poor and needy seek water,
    and there is none,
    and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them;
    I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights,
    and fountains in the midst of the valleys.
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
    and the dry land springs of water.
I will put in the wilderness the cedar,
    the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive.
I will set in the desert the cypress,
    the plane and the pine together,
that they may see and know,
    may consider and understand together,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
    the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:13,16-20

Only God could design a plant to hang onto a tree by tubular roots and put out brachted shoots with oval pods that at the perfect moment, burst open in exquisite bloom. Snowy white amidst lush greens captures the eye, and the orchid’s deep violet eyes look back and intrigue. What manner of beauty is this, tucked in a small green orb? What love so inspired this display, this feast for sight and wonder? What masterful creativity imagined such a process in such a plant, one among the numberless? Only God, Master Gardener.

This One who causes roots to extend and hold on, who tucks irrepressible life into benign nuggets of green, who fashioned the senses to be captivated and tell the soul to praise, He can do anything. This remarkable and personal God, who brings fountains to drought and lush to wildernesses, can do absolutely anything. He can bring clarity into confusion, healing to broken hearts, hope to the downtrodden, and revival to the exhausted. He can unify the divided, retrieve the stray, soften the rebellious, transform the mindset, save the lost.

How does marveling at this glorious and creative God shape our expectations in our challenges? How does His power change our attitudes in our difficulties? How does His personal involvement in details readjust our outlook for the future? Knowing Him elevates our intellect and reasoning, and should make a difference in every crevice of our thinking and every corner of our heart. It should refine our emotions, stamp our decisions, and shape our affections.

What attitudes or efforts lie limp in me today? Where is my will weak, my desire turned inward and selfish? Where do I need a supernatural riot of vitality and color? Would I humbly seek these from the Master of my soul, and surrender to His movement in and through me?

Lord, I bow before Your indescribable perfection. Please awaken what sleeps in my spirit and revive what flags in my flesh. By Your resurrection power, bring glorious, vibrant bloom of, and for, Your glory.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

“It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” Galatians 2:19-20; 6:12-15

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Colossians 2:13-15

In the first century, crucifixion meant a public, prolonged, agonizing death that served justice for an individual criminal. When he breathed his last, intent was accomplished. But at Calvary, our Savior bore the guilty verdict of every believer, and put to death far more than a single man’s due penalty. What was accomplished there was so vast and life-changing that it captivated Paul’s whole identity and desire.

Before the cross, Paul was a slave to the law, steeped in legalism but spiritually dead. When Jesus saved him, drastically transforming his belief system and life direction, Paul became Christ’s bond-servant. He was no longer dead in sin but wholly alive to Christ, to know and love Him and serve His will on earth. His days had new purpose as Christ lived through him, pulsing through his veins with holy cause and Spirit fire. His intellect and drive were now tools for his new Master to use to advance His gospel and glory. (Acts 9:1-18; Romans 1:1)

When we apply the cross, much in us is also transformed. Because Jesus put these tendencies to death, where we condemned the failings of others, we humbly repent for our own transgressions against God. Where our hearts were cold to the needs and unpretty ways of those around us, Jesus warms them with compassion. Where we were tenaciously self-driven, we live open-handed, seeking and yielded to our Lord’s will.

Where once we craved the world, lusting after its charms and approval, we find satisfaction in Jesus. Where we feared death, we are bound in hope of eternal life here and hereafter. Where we fretted for safety from persecution, we are at peace, serving and sharing Christ’s love with every breath. (Matthew 6:24)

How fully are we living, and clearly exhibiting, the crucified life? This is impossible apart from the grace and power of the cross. (Matthew 19:25-26)

Lord, less of me and more of You. May I daily exhibit the imprint of Your unquenchable love at Calvary. (John 3:30)

“‘A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.’ So some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What is this that he says to us, “A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me”; and, “because I am going to the Father”?’  So they were saying, ‘What does he mean by “a little while”? We do not know what he is talking about.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, ‘Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, “A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me”? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you… I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’” John 16:16-22,33

“Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5

One of the hardest things about Easter season is the waiting, the anticipation of the agony. This side of the cross we know what the disciples had yet to experience- the horror of their Teacher’s betrayal, scourging, mocking, and crucifixion. We know how the story ends, but they did not, or at least could not understand the “little whiles” of which Jesus spoke. How would they weep and lament, and then rejoice? And why?

How kind of our Lord Jesus to prepare these men He loved so much, as much as He could with their limited view, just as He does us. We cannot foresee the whole future, or know the details of upcoming trouble and suffering, but we have been told that we will have tribulation, and in it, to take heart. The disciples did not comprehend “I have overcome the world,“ but we do! We know that Jesus rose from the grave, and that He vanquished sin and death, and one day will vanquish the enemy of our souls forever. Christ’s peace that passes all human understanding is ours for the choosing, able to guard our hearts and minds. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Philippians 4:6-7; Revelation 20:7-10)

Remember, for every little while we are enduring, we are passing through to another while. In the Lord’s economy of time, He uses every moment to bring about his redemption and ultimate glory. We see now in a mirror dimly, but the longer we look, and the longer we live, we are closer to that day when we will see Him face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

My loving Lord, help me choose peace in each little while You bring and I endure. When I cannot understand, help me to trust, and look forward to the ultimate joy of seeing You face to face. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:1-5

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

How unlike us men was Jesus. He knew He was the Son of God, that the time had come to bear the weight of the sin of the world and die, and He willingly set aside His rights, His status and glory, to humble Himself and wash feet. This perfect God-man chose to die an excruciating, sinner’s death on a sinner’s cross. He who knew no sin loved His own to the end… (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Knowing what we know about such humility, such a love, how do we worship, how do we love? How can we do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves? How can we look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others? Only by having the mind and heart of Christ, which is accomplished only by the cross. (Philippians 2:3-4)

“O teach me what it meaneth,
That cross uplifted high,
With One, the Man of Sorrows,
Condemned to bleed and die!
O teach me what it cost Thee
To make a sinner whole;
And teach me, Savior, teach me
The value of a soul!

O teach me what it meaneth,
Thy love beyond compare,
The love that reacheth deeper
Than depths of self-despair!
Yes, teach me, till there gloweth
In this cold heart of mine
Some feeble, pale reflection
Of that pure love of Thine.

O teach me what it meaneth,
For I am full of sin,
And grace alone can reach me,
And love alone can win.
O teach me, for I need Thee,
I have no hope beside—
The chief of all the sinners
For whom the Savior died!

O infinite Redeemer!
I bring no other plea;
Because Thou dost invite me
I cast myself on Thee.
Because Thou dost accept me
I love and I adore;
Because Thy love constraineth,
I’ll praise Thee evermore!” ~ Lucy A. Bennett (1850-1927)

My Savior, may I know much of You in all I do, how I worship, and the way I love.

“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word… I have given them the words that you gave me, and… they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours… Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them… But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:6,8-9,11-17

“Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

“Maundy: a ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday; alms distributed in connection with the maundy ceremony; from the Old French mande, in turn from the Latin mandātum, which means ‘mandate or command.’”

The night before the crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Passover meal, washed their feet, dismissed His betrayer, issued a new commandment to love one another, promised the Holy Spirit, then bathed them all in His magnificent high priestly prayer. What He prayed for them prior to the cross this Maundy night He continues to pray for us today, revealing His heart toward His children and His mandate for our living in the world. (John 13-16)

Keep them in Your name, which you have given me. The name of Jesus is a stronghold where we are kept and guarded from the onslaught of the world and devil and their lies and temptation. (Proverbs 18:10; Matthew 4:4)

That they may be one, even as we are one. Jesus’s people are by calling unified in purpose, in the image they bear to the world, connected by a common grace and love that comes only from God.

That they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. Jesus came to give abundant life, and His Spirit in us abounds in joy. (John 10:10; Galatians 5:22)

Not that you take them out of the world, but keep them from the evil one. As long as we live, we deal with the devil’s tactics and minions in this world. But Jesus prays for us in this world not to be of the world, but set apart in spirit and mind, fully armed for the battle, light in darkness. (2 Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 6:12-13; Philippians 2:15)

Sanctify them in truth. God’s word is inerrant and true. It convicts, fortifies, and teaches us all righteousness. (Psalm 18:30; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

What vision, what comfort, what resolve, these prayers inspire. How will we fulfill our part in their answer?

Thanks be to You, Lord, for Your ministry of prayer. For every one, so be it!