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It Is What You Make of It: Creating Something Great from What You’ve Been Given
Justin McRoberts dares you to move beyond “it is what it is” thinking and become an agent of love and redemption in your household, neighborhood, and workplace.
“It is what it is”—a common phrase you hear and maybe even say yourself. But the truth is that there is not one square inch in the whole domain of our human existence that simply is what it is. Justin McRoberts invites you to embrace a new mindset: it is what you make of it.
With warmth, wisdom, and humor, McRoberts shares key moments from his twenty-plus years as an artist, church planter, pastor, singer-songwriter, author, neighbor, and father, passing on lessons and practices learned about making something good from what you’ve been given rather than simply accepting things as they are.
Thought-provoking but actionable, It Is What You Make of It declares that love doesn’t just win, mercy doesn’t just triumph, and light doesn’t just cast out shadow. Rather, such renewal requires the work of human hands and hearts committed to a vision of a world made right (or at least a little better). When we partner with God in these endeavors, we love the world well and honor the Creator in whose image we are made.
We will not be remembered for who our parents were or where we were born or what our socioeconomic circumstances were. We won’t be remembered for our natural talents and strengths or the opportunities we were given or the challenges we faced. In the end, each of us will be remembered for what we made with what we were given.
“It is what it is”—a common phrase you hear and maybe even say yourself. But the truth is that there is not one square inch in the whole domain of our human existence that simply is what it is. Justin McRoberts invites you to embrace a new mindset: it is what you make of it.
With warmth, wisdom, and humor, McRoberts shares key moments from his twenty-plus years as an artist, church planter, pastor, singer-songwriter, author, neighbor, and father, passing on lessons and practices learned about making something good from what you’ve been given rather than simply accepting things as they are.
Thought-provoking but actionable, It Is What You Make of It declares that love doesn’t just win, mercy doesn’t just triumph, and light doesn’t just cast out shadow. Rather, such renewal requires the work of human hands and hearts committed to a vision of a world made right (or at least a little better). When we partner with God in these endeavors, we love the world well and honor the Creator in whose image we are made.
We will not be remembered for who our parents were or where we were born or what our socioeconomic circumstances were. We won’t be remembered for our natural talents and strengths or the opportunities we were given or the challenges we faced. In the end, each of us will be remembered for what we made with what we were given.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
20 people are currently reading
2058 people want to read
About the author
Justin McRoberts
13 books104 followersJustin McRoberts is an author, coach, speaker, and songwriter. He is the author of six books, including the upcoming, Sacred Strides (May 2023).
For over 20 years, Justin has helped artists, ministers and entrepreneurs find their way. From the stage, though his stories in books or during coaching sessions, he leans on his years of work and expertise as a minister and artist to help individuals and teams solve problems in their creative processes.
When he’s not writing, speaking or coaching, you can find him as the host of the At Sea Podcast.
He lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area.
For over 20 years, Justin has helped artists, ministers and entrepreneurs find their way. From the stage, though his stories in books or during coaching sessions, he leans on his years of work and expertise as a minister and artist to help individuals and teams solve problems in their creative processes.
When he’s not writing, speaking or coaching, you can find him as the host of the At Sea Podcast.
He lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 26, 2021
Justin McRoberts latest book, It Is What You Make of It: Creating Something Great from What You’ve Been Given is a phenomenal book that made an impact on the way I am able to see the world in a way to make the best of what I have rather than simply accepting something and taking it as it is and saying, “it is what it is”.
I enjoy the practical advice coming from life lessons that is interspersed with humor and wit in an easy to read book. I feel that the advice is sound and completely actionable and also very inspirational.
This book will make for a great gift to our new graduates facing the world, or to friends and families that need a little boost, positivity, and motivation in their lives.
I am so grateful to have read this book and I encourage you to do so as well. This is quite a transformational read that resonated with me, and I hope it does for you as well.
I enjoy the practical advice coming from life lessons that is interspersed with humor and wit in an easy to read book. I feel that the advice is sound and completely actionable and also very inspirational.
This book will make for a great gift to our new graduates facing the world, or to friends and families that need a little boost, positivity, and motivation in their lives.
I am so grateful to have read this book and I encourage you to do so as well. This is quite a transformational read that resonated with me, and I hope it does for you as well.
June 18, 2021
I was happily surprised by this book. Each chapter shares a little vignette from Justin's life and the lessons he learned from them. For example, from the chapter "They're Not Here to See You Fail," Justin tells the story of a young woman singing her original song at a charity benefit. She is extremely nervous before her performance, and Justin and her friends make her feel at ease when she makes a mistake at the beginning. The audience clearly loves the song and shows their appreciation. The point of this chapter is that when people show up for you (whether you're a performer or not), they aren't there to witness your failure: People want you to succeed!
Each chapter ends with questions under the heading: What Do You Make of This?. The first chapter suggests that you use a notebook to answer these questions and go back and reflect about what you've written. (I actually did that! I liked how it is interactive.)
The questions at the end of the chapter mentioned above challenges the reader to reflect on instances when he or she has blown it professionally, and how did he or she move on from failure. Another question asks about others and how they might be afraid of failure. That's one thing I appreciate about this book: It's not just about the reader, it's about the people in the reader's life, how to encourage and advocate for others.
Although a few of the scenarios in this book do not apply to where I am in my life, I thought of several people who would benefit from reading about them. I think the person who is going through a transition (like me) or needs to make a change professionally (not me) would benefit the most from It Is What You Make Of It. Justin has led an interesting life so far, and I enjoyed reading about his challenges (many of them hilariously self-imposed). His stories are very entertaining, and I admire his positive attitude when facing professional rejections (an opportunity to discover something new).
Each chapter ends with questions under the heading: What Do You Make of This?. The first chapter suggests that you use a notebook to answer these questions and go back and reflect about what you've written. (I actually did that! I liked how it is interactive.)
The questions at the end of the chapter mentioned above challenges the reader to reflect on instances when he or she has blown it professionally, and how did he or she move on from failure. Another question asks about others and how they might be afraid of failure. That's one thing I appreciate about this book: It's not just about the reader, it's about the people in the reader's life, how to encourage and advocate for others.
Although a few of the scenarios in this book do not apply to where I am in my life, I thought of several people who would benefit from reading about them. I think the person who is going through a transition (like me) or needs to make a change professionally (not me) would benefit the most from It Is What You Make Of It. Justin has led an interesting life so far, and I enjoyed reading about his challenges (many of them hilariously self-imposed). His stories are very entertaining, and I admire his positive attitude when facing professional rejections (an opportunity to discover something new).
June 18, 2021
This quick, encouraging read is full of hard-won wisdom, engaging humor, and vivid stories. Throughout the book, Justin McRoberts challenges his readers to work towards justice, wholeness, and healing wherever they are, instead of taking things at face value with an "it is what it is" mentality. He shows us how love, connection, and creativity can make the world a better place, and concludes each chapter with reflection questions and action items for readers to consider. It Is What You Make of It can be a great encouragement for both optimists and pessimists, urging us to be honest about what is broken in the world while also choosing to make the best of it.
McRoberts is a great storyteller and uses real-life anecdotes to illustrate important concepts and make them memorable. He shares memories from his childhood, parenting anecdotes, and stories about his experiences as a touring musician, with both mishaps and meaningful human connection along the way. He also shares Bible stories to illustrate his points, connecting stories of Jesus to how we can serve others in similar ways. McRoberts is also very honest about his flaws, sharing some stories that are entirely at his own expense. He emphasizes how important it is for us to be truly loving to everyone, instead of treating other people like instruments for us to get what we want, and he writes about the importance of using our talents for others' benefit, not just for self-promotion.
It Is What You Make of It reminds us that because we are made in God's image, we have the power to "make and remake," and don't have to shrug our shoulders and accept things the way they are. McRoberts challenges his readers to improve the world around them however they can, mirroring creation and resurrection on a smaller scale to bring healing to the people and contexts around us. This is a fun, quick read that is full of encouragement, and will be great for lots of different audiences. This book can be helpful, eye-opening, and encouraging whether you're a graduating high school senior or a senior citizen, and can help readers feel refreshed and ready to make a difference in whatever context they are in.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
McRoberts is a great storyteller and uses real-life anecdotes to illustrate important concepts and make them memorable. He shares memories from his childhood, parenting anecdotes, and stories about his experiences as a touring musician, with both mishaps and meaningful human connection along the way. He also shares Bible stories to illustrate his points, connecting stories of Jesus to how we can serve others in similar ways. McRoberts is also very honest about his flaws, sharing some stories that are entirely at his own expense. He emphasizes how important it is for us to be truly loving to everyone, instead of treating other people like instruments for us to get what we want, and he writes about the importance of using our talents for others' benefit, not just for self-promotion.
It Is What You Make of It reminds us that because we are made in God's image, we have the power to "make and remake," and don't have to shrug our shoulders and accept things the way they are. McRoberts challenges his readers to improve the world around them however they can, mirroring creation and resurrection on a smaller scale to bring healing to the people and contexts around us. This is a fun, quick read that is full of encouragement, and will be great for lots of different audiences. This book can be helpful, eye-opening, and encouraging whether you're a graduating high school senior or a senior citizen, and can help readers feel refreshed and ready to make a difference in whatever context they are in.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
McRoberts had a conversational style and I appreciated the questions offered at the end of each chapter. Curious to listen to some of his music.
July 22, 2021
I loved this quick read. Justin is a great story teller and uses his own stories throughout this book. I liked the questions at the end of each chapter.
July 11, 2021
I could not have read this at a better time. I was so overwhelmingly encouraged.
I had no preconceived notions of what to expect when picking up It Is What You Make of It by Justin McRoberts, but the idea of creating something beautiful from what I already possess won me over.
Justin writes through lived experience. He articulates that art, making, and creating is a lifetime journey. And you won't be great, or even good, in the beginning, but that doesn't mean that you are not constantly being shaped by your everyday experiences. He writes poignantly of hurt and forgiveness, the beauty of corporate participation, and how life often goes sideways and backwards. However, Justin writes endearingly with an invitation, encouraging you to continue to plod in doing a good work, testing your limits, and heeding the nos and the rejection. Above all, I appreciate his encouragement to love people through your work because that itself is a special gift that points to the goodness of Jesus.
Justin is also incredibly funny. I enjoyed the witty remarks and asides because I think I have a similar sense of humor and writing style.
His book met me in a special place where I find myself with dashed hopes and broken trust. And I think the Lord brought me a special word and ministered to me through Justin's book. I hope it does the same for so many others.
Should Justin read this, thank you for your work, brother.
I had no preconceived notions of what to expect when picking up It Is What You Make of It by Justin McRoberts, but the idea of creating something beautiful from what I already possess won me over.
Justin writes through lived experience. He articulates that art, making, and creating is a lifetime journey. And you won't be great, or even good, in the beginning, but that doesn't mean that you are not constantly being shaped by your everyday experiences. He writes poignantly of hurt and forgiveness, the beauty of corporate participation, and how life often goes sideways and backwards. However, Justin writes endearingly with an invitation, encouraging you to continue to plod in doing a good work, testing your limits, and heeding the nos and the rejection. Above all, I appreciate his encouragement to love people through your work because that itself is a special gift that points to the goodness of Jesus.
Justin is also incredibly funny. I enjoyed the witty remarks and asides because I think I have a similar sense of humor and writing style.
His book met me in a special place where I find myself with dashed hopes and broken trust. And I think the Lord brought me a special word and ministered to me through Justin's book. I hope it does the same for so many others.
Should Justin read this, thank you for your work, brother.
July 24, 2021
It is What It is. This is one of those sayings you hear fairly frequently in this day and age. Justin Roberts in his new book, It Is What you Make Of it, encourages us to think differently and tells readers that that is a lie.
It is What You Make Of It has fourteen chapters full of rich stories full of details from McRoberts' life and Biblical teaching. At the end of each chapter, he has a page called, What do you make of this? where he asks readers some questions to help them apply the story they just read to their own life. I liked these stories a lot. I didn't read the book real fast. Instead I read a couple stories a day so that I could soak them in and reflect on them. I also reflected on how they may relate to my own life. I found inspiration and encouragement. I also found stories that were easy to relate to. McRoberts feels like a guy who would be easy to sit down and chat with. He also has a sense of humor so there are some funny places in the book. I think this book would appeal to Christians of all ages and at all levels of faith. There is something for everyone to reflect on here. While I enjoyed all of the stories, I especially liked the chapter called, Everybody Hurts, Everybody Matters. That one touched my heart in several ways.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through FrontGate Media. All opinions within this review are my own.
It is What You Make Of It has fourteen chapters full of rich stories full of details from McRoberts' life and Biblical teaching. At the end of each chapter, he has a page called, What do you make of this? where he asks readers some questions to help them apply the story they just read to their own life. I liked these stories a lot. I didn't read the book real fast. Instead I read a couple stories a day so that I could soak them in and reflect on them. I also reflected on how they may relate to my own life. I found inspiration and encouragement. I also found stories that were easy to relate to. McRoberts feels like a guy who would be easy to sit down and chat with. He also has a sense of humor so there are some funny places in the book. I think this book would appeal to Christians of all ages and at all levels of faith. There is something for everyone to reflect on here. While I enjoyed all of the stories, I especially liked the chapter called, Everybody Hurts, Everybody Matters. That one touched my heart in several ways.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through FrontGate Media. All opinions within this review are my own.
May 24, 2021
Are you a glass half-full or a glass half-empty kind of person? This book will help you find a way to always make it a glass half-full kind of day!
Justin McRoberts shares his life’s stories with such a wonderful note of humor and honesty that it’s an absolute joy to read this book. I loved the way that McRoberts talks about not accepting a mindset of “It is what it is” but instead finding how we can make it what we want.
This book was a battle cry, calling out to the reader to take action with their life. Start doing what needs to be done to make the most of the life you have with the pieces you have been given. I found it utterly inspirational, and I think that many readers will as well.
I alternated between listening to the audio and reading the physical copy of this book. I really enjoyed having the inspirational voice of the author from the audio, and having the book to make notes from. Overall, I think this is a great book for any reader that is looking for a little push to take control of their life.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Justin McRoberts shares his life’s stories with such a wonderful note of humor and honesty that it’s an absolute joy to read this book. I loved the way that McRoberts talks about not accepting a mindset of “It is what it is” but instead finding how we can make it what we want.
This book was a battle cry, calling out to the reader to take action with their life. Start doing what needs to be done to make the most of the life you have with the pieces you have been given. I found it utterly inspirational, and I think that many readers will as well.
I alternated between listening to the audio and reading the physical copy of this book. I really enjoyed having the inspirational voice of the author from the audio, and having the book to make notes from. Overall, I think this is a great book for any reader that is looking for a little push to take control of their life.
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 22, 2025
This is the first book I’ve heard by this author and I picked it up because I had read a couple quotes that were really intriguing and made me want to read more. This book culminates in 14 short chapters which are stories from the own authors life about mishaps and lessons along the way. This book is a great reflection on Relationships, life, lessons, faith, and the way that God works through circumstances we plan and those that we do not plan on. I really appreciated the humor, the developed throughout the course of the book as well as the simple yet profound faith, analogies, and messages throughout the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in reading something that is inspiring and thought-provoking, also something that is easy to digest and easy to read in short spurts if you do not have a lot of time to sit down and read lengthy tomes. As the mom of a toddler, I appreciate that I could easily pick up a chapter at a time and read through a few pages and then set it aside until the next time I could pick up the book.
June 30, 2021
I wanted to thank @justinmcroberts @tlcbooktours and @thomasnelson for this gifted audiobook copy. I will the audiobook version was narrated by the author and it is done very well.
This is a Christian self help book that really tries to show and encourage the reader to make the best of the situation at hand. There was a powerful chapter to me about a missing Lego piece. It stated that yes, even if you are missing a necessary piece to your situation not all hope is lost. Take a moment and grieve for that loss, and then know that God knew you’d be in this situation and that you can use everything around you to continue on in the situation. I loved that, that in the you can still use all the resources around you and still make a perfect outcome. Also reminding me that people around me want to see me succeed. There were so many good points in this book. I recommend this to anyone that finds themselves down about their current situation. It was a great self-help read.
This is a Christian self help book that really tries to show and encourage the reader to make the best of the situation at hand. There was a powerful chapter to me about a missing Lego piece. It stated that yes, even if you are missing a necessary piece to your situation not all hope is lost. Take a moment and grieve for that loss, and then know that God knew you’d be in this situation and that you can use everything around you to continue on in the situation. I loved that, that in the you can still use all the resources around you and still make a perfect outcome. Also reminding me that people around me want to see me succeed. There were so many good points in this book. I recommend this to anyone that finds themselves down about their current situation. It was a great self-help read.
August 1, 2021
happy august book friends! kicking off the month with a book that packed some nourishing punch! i’m not sure where i heard about this book, but i really enjoyed it! talking about how much of a disservice saying “it is what it is” can be, this book encourages us to instead ask ourselves “what can i make of this?” it pushes us to look at the roadblocks, missteps, life happenings and choices we’ve made and instead of saying “it is what it is”, to reframe the narrative to “it is what i make of it”. i jotted down several quotes from this book and really appreciated justin’s candor, humor, writing style (bob goff-esque) and found his stories and examples to be just enough to keep readers engaged and able to relate, without making it feel like a biography. great weekend read! 🌵🧡
rating: 📖📖📖📖 - i really enjoyed it!
rating: 📖📖📖📖 - i really enjoyed it!
June 12, 2021
"It is what you make of it" is an easy spirited read, with humor and anecdotes that draw in the reader and connect with them. I highly recommend this book to all considering it.
The author does a great job of reframing life, its challenges, and frustrations, towards optimism, creativity, and making life what you can with what you have, focusing on the"power of potentiality", as the author callse it. Quite a refreshing perspective!
I highly recommend all read this, you will not be disappointed. Thank you Thomas Nelson publishing and NetGalley for this free book. The comments above are of my own without influence.
The author does a great job of reframing life, its challenges, and frustrations, towards optimism, creativity, and making life what you can with what you have, focusing on the"power of potentiality", as the author callse it. Quite a refreshing perspective!
I highly recommend all read this, you will not be disappointed. Thank you Thomas Nelson publishing and NetGalley for this free book. The comments above are of my own without influence.
April 26, 2023
Ok this was about a two hour listen for me so I was able to finish it quickly.
Here’s the sitch: I did not know this was a Jesus book. I guess I missed the whole second part of the synopsis. That being said, it was a good Jesus book. It’s pretty easy to win me over when you open your book saying that christians need to recognize systematic issues like racism and poverty and also say that christians need to actually do something to solve them.
But really truly, there was a lot of good/positive stuff in here. I was pleasantly surprised. If you are a christian this is a nice pretty breezy read.
Here’s the sitch: I did not know this was a Jesus book. I guess I missed the whole second part of the synopsis. That being said, it was a good Jesus book. It’s pretty easy to win me over when you open your book saying that christians need to recognize systematic issues like racism and poverty and also say that christians need to actually do something to solve them.
But really truly, there was a lot of good/positive stuff in here. I was pleasantly surprised. If you are a christian this is a nice pretty breezy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2021
I know often times when we think about dreams, we shrug and say, oh well it is what it is and go back to our lives. Well check out It Is What You Make Of It, and maybe next time you will not shrug off those dreams so quickly! This is a great read about realizing the gifts that we have and learning how to use them. Embracing our mistakes from the past to move forward. Hold onto those special people that come into our lives and help us to be a better version of ourselves and sharing this with others!
April 8, 2022
I grabbed this book on a whim with no idea of who Justin was or what he did and I can honestly say I am so glad that I did! His words resonated with me a ton since our stories are similar in a lot of ways and overall I found this book to be a really uplifting and thought provoking read.
Favorite Quote: “I still had to put the best I had at the time into each song or each recording or each performance, but that was thing: I was only responsible to give the best I had at the time. So my art would reflect who I was at the time, rather than reflect my whole career.”
Favorite Quote: “I still had to put the best I had at the time into each song or each recording or each performance, but that was thing: I was only responsible to give the best I had at the time. So my art would reflect who I was at the time, rather than reflect my whole career.”
June 3, 2021
I love that this book wasn't wordy and ridiculously long- it's short and to the point, perfect for what the topic is about. I really enjoyed this one, I loved the humor throughout, it makes the personal stories more relatable and the book easy to read. I think the concepts and suggestions throughout the book are common sense, but sometimes having someone knock some common sense into us is exactly what we need, and that's what this book was for me.
July 23, 2021
This is a must-read that will challenge you to view your life the way God does, of great value! Funny stories are dotted through to illustrate truths and make for completely enjoyable reading. May I also recommend this for teens? Important Biblical truths are addressed and we all need to remind ourselves from time to time. Comes with thought-provoking questions to inspire us to be the person God created us to be and pursue what God wants for our lives!
November 27, 2021
I really enjoyed the book. The author communicates in an "easy-to-relate" style. He uses personal stories, sharing from a place of mistakes or bad experiences, which I really enjoyed because he has no issue with laughing at himself during the process. I found it refreshing.
It's helped me start the process in getting an editor involved with a book I've been afraid to get out there. Thankful for this book and the push it's given me.
It's helped me start the process in getting an editor involved with a book I've been afraid to get out there. Thankful for this book and the push it's given me.
December 3, 2021
This is sort of a book about creating things, but not specifically for the artist/creative type, more for people in general—along the lines of make something with the life you've been given. But the best part, and the real reason to read it, is just the wonderful stories Justin shares. They're funny and interesting and quirky and just suck you right in. Plus, he tells one about the 1999 Holy Rollers tour with Five Iron Frenzy, so all the nostalgic feels.
January 14, 2023
Justin McRoberts is an articulate and captivating story teller. I avoid self-help books because I rarely find them encouraging and usually end up feeling defensive by the authors' assumptions that the reader is failing at something or just not good enough. This book is the exact opposite, making no assumptions of the reader. It's a quick but thought-provoking read filled with encouragement to use your situation to influence the world for good.
July 10, 2021
This is a short, encouraging book of stories from McRoberts' years dedicated to art and religion. He urges us to see a life of service as a creative, courageous act. Motivational, which is not usually my vibe, but for which I've been feeling the need of late. The audiobook narrated by the author makes the stories even more relatable.
August 26, 2021
I've "known" Justin McRoberts since I heard him playing at Young Life camps decades ago when I was a Young Life camper and summer staffer. My views and faith have grown a lot since then, and I think Justin's have, too -- I'm a big fan of Justin's personal honesty in his writing and prayer. This is another great, honest read.
June 11, 2021
Justin McRoberts has, once again, created something genuine and real that cuts through the noise and brings clarity to the human experience. With honesty, humor, and depth, weighty concepts feel accessible and I am reminded of my purpose: to love others.
Great book! I think I’ll read again.
Great book! I think I’ll read again.
October 5, 2022
I was listening to this out of curiosity re: what a Christian take on making your own future v. accepting your fate would look like for a research project, but I ended up really motivated and inspired about random things in my life, lol.
January 16, 2024
Audiobook listen. This is a collection of the author’s various life experiences and challenges, interspersed with lessons from the Bible. Warm. Great message on making the most from the hands you’ve been dealt and with what you got.
May 5, 2024
Great book! Just talking about making the most of the what you have been given! Instead of saying “It is what it is”…no IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT!
I just which it quoted scripture in relevance to each chapter.
I just which it quoted scripture in relevance to each chapter.
June 26, 2021
Justin McRoberts is a wonderful storyteller, and his stories all lead to inspiring lessons.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
June 28, 2021
For my deeper thoughts on this book, check out my review here:
https://jesusfreakhideout.com/books/I...
https://jesusfreakhideout.com/books/I...
October 25, 2021
Oh friend, you did it …and dag-gone encouraged the rest of us to do the same.
February 2, 2022
This Christian memoir was a nice little read that had some great insights. I didn't relate to the author's stories as much as I have some others that I have read, but it was still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews