A huge uncut diamond was entrusted to a skilled artisan to create what is now known as the Hope diamond. The craftsman kept the rough gem for over a year, turning it over and over, to determine how to cut each facet to reflect its fire and exquisite beauty. He carefully chipped away bit by bit until he could hold and admire this gorgeous jewel shining in all its glory.
People now stand in awe and amazement when they catch a glimpse of this diamond which is estimated to be worth between two and 250 million dollars.
Diamonds and stalwart Christians are formed in a similar fashion — by heat and pressure. We undergo the heat of fiery trials and the pressures of the cares of this present world. The chipping away of our rough edges is necessary if we’re to become a jewel of great value.
God, the Master artisan, sees the beauty buried deep within our lives. Often, through adversity, sorrow, and suffering, our undesirable traits are evident and we trust the Lord will sand off those rough edges. Our heavenly Father works carefully, as He envisions us as a precious jewel in His Kingdom.
“And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; …” Malachi 3:17 (KJV)
It is my prayer that someday we’ll end up in the Lord’s jewelry box.
We may not consider ourselves to be precious — but we’re not taking into consideration what the Creator of the Universe can do with insignificant people. Because we are His children, He gave each of us the talents and abilities to be a pearl of great price. He doesn’t think of anyone as ordinary or worthless.
It is amazing that our heavenly Father seems to delight in choosing unlikely people as valuable citizens in His kingdom.
“The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.” Zechariah 9:16 (NIV)
The Lord made us in His image with the potential of a prayer warrior, a servant, or one with a compassionate heart to reach out to hurting people. It’s as if He sees each person as a diamond in the rough.
A diamond reflects natural light, while a Christian mirrors the Light of the Son. The beauty of both can be seen in their sparkle and the gorgeous colors refracted from each facet.
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” Matthew 5:14 (MSG)
Shine, Jesus, shine.
This devotion is adapted from Make the REST of Your Days, the Best of Your Days, Copyright © 2017 Louise Looney, used with permission.C
