Who doesn't admire a beautiful, sparkling diamond? All the facets reveal brilliant flashes of light, especially under the overhead lighting in a jewelry store. But these gorgeous gems didn't start out that way. When they were harvested in a diamond mine, they looked like ordinary rocks and stones, with perhaps some shimmer. It took the expertise of a professional to chip away and carve each piece into the precious stone it was meant to be. A diamond is the hardest of gems, so it wasn't an easy task. When one purchases an expensive diamond, he is making an investment into a work of art that will last. It has much value. And will hold its value for generations to come.
I came across this verse tonight and found that we are like diamonds in progress. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says:
Therefore, do not lose heart... we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
When I read this, I was reminded of how we look at our own outer appearance. We compare ourselves with others, and see our own imperfections. Some of us feel we aren't measuring up to the expectations we place ourselves on, leading to a feeling of insignificance. But God looks at our heart. And He sees our real value. He sees our potential. He has made us in His own image, and with His expertise in carving away all the unnecessary things we hold on to, He is able to reveal in us what He had intended all along. Sometimes it hurts when He is in the process of making us into His gem. But if we truly trust Him to do His perfect work in us, we can be assured that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, there is a purpose. In His eyes, He sees us as a beautiful, valuable gem, ready to shine brightly in the realms of His heavenly kingdom.
Remember: you are a diamond in progress!
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